Lenell John-Lewis struck a crucial equaliser from the penalty spot as Boston United secured mathematical safety on Easter Monday.
The Pilgrims maintained their 10-point buffer over opponents Brackley Town, who had briefly led through Aidan Elliott-Wheeler’s brilliant header.
Luca Barrington was subsequently fouled by goalkeeper Harrison Rhone, with John-Lewis coolly converting from the spot to ensure United’s advantage over the Saints proved to be unassailable.
United boss Paul Hurst had once again opted to make four changes ahead of kick-off, with Marcel Lavinier, Oisin Gallagher, Jordy Hiwula and Tom Cursons all handed starting roles.
Dan Cameron and Rhone made early respective saves to deny Elliott-Wheeler and Barrington, while Cursons lifted a 37th minute effort too high following good build-up play from Hiwula.
Brackley arguably should have taken the lead two minutes before the break when Morgan Roberts headed over from close-range.
Rhone denied Barrington after the break, while Cameron kept out a diving header from Roberts. Rhone made another fine stop to deny Cursons – moments before Brackley’s breakthrough.
Tyler Lyttle dug out a brilliant cross from the right and ELLIOTT-WHEELER thumped home an emphatic header to give the Saints hope.
Cameron made a huge save to deny ex-Pilgrim Scott Pollock three minutes later and it proved decisive, with Rhone tripping Barrington and JOHN-LEWIS sailing home his 15th goal of the campaign from the subsequent spot-kick.
Brackley had the ball in the net at the death, but the Saints were penalised for a foul on Cameron – much to United’s relief.
Brackley (3-4-3): Harrison Rhone; Michael Nottingham, Gareth Dean, Zak Lilly (Connor Hall 79); Tyler Lyttle, Shane Byrne, Callum Tripp, Aidan Elliott-Wheeler; Matt Lowe, Scott Pollock, Morgan Roberts. Subs (not used): Kyle Morrison, Jonny Maxted (gk), Alastair Worby (gk).
Boston (4-2-3-1): Dan Cameron; Marcel Lavinier, Jake Rooney, Jamie Grimes, Alex Lankshear; Jordan Richards, Oisin Gallagher; Luca Barrington (Jacob Hazel 79), Frankie Maguire (Dylan Hill 70), Jordy Hiwula; Tom Cursons (Lenell John-Lewis 70). Subs (not used): Connor Teale, Greg Sloggett, Arjan Raikhy, Louis Chadwick (gk).
Referee: Matthew McQuillan.
Attendance: 1,022 (308 visitors).
PIC: Chris Bray.
Words: Craig Singleton
