BOSTON UNITED V ALFRETON TOWN

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY MAGAZINE OF BOSTON UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB | SEASON 2020/21 | FREE

THE VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH PROGRAMME OF THE YEAR 2019/20 THE PILGRIM BOSTON UNITED v ALFRETON TOWN

SATURDAY 26TH DECEMBER 2020 | KICK-OFF: 15:00 | VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH

David Newton FROM THE BOARDROOM CHAIRMAN DAVID NEWTON SIGNS OFF HIS 2020 SERIES OF PROGRAMME NOTES

Good afternoon everyone and first penalty shootout! We are strong, so I am sure this will be the warmest of welcomes to the now rewarded with a visit from a stern test for us today, but we 2020 Boxing Day fixture. Chesterfield, who will present a stiff are also getting into our stride, I hope everyone had an enjoyable challenge, but one I know the lads so hopefully we will see a ‘proper and safe Christmas Day. Night will relish. National League North’ game here games and Boxing Day are my We have received tremendous today. favourite fixtures, where we usually support from fans, sponsors and My thanks go to all our fantastic have a good crowd and a great donors to help the club through staff who have put so much hard atmosphere, but sadly as we all this difficult time. We are both work in this year under very difficult know that is not possible at the humbled and grateful for such circumstances. You have all been present time and unfortunately may support, which has helped not only fantastic and done a great job for not be possible for a while longer as financially, but also to know that we the club – thank you. the pandemic takes hold again. are not on our own in trying to keep My thanks also must go to the Everyone’s focus MUST be to keep the club going, ready for when the construction team who have each other safe at the present better times return. Our Community helped deliver the stadium during a time and try to prevent the spread Foundation volunteers have also pandemic – and I can tell you that is of the virus until the vaccines are done a great job in engaging with no mean achievement! our teams (both young and older) rolled out across the country, so I It has been great to work with local and the wider community to keep urge everyone to do their bit as we companies who understand what everyone engaged; improve fitness can only defeat this thing together. we are trying to produce for the and increase skill levels. The government cannot stop the fans and the wider community and spread… only we can. We have, of course, also moved to many have gone above the call of the new stadium, which is taking Despite a very difficult year, there duty to help us achieve that, again shape, but will not be truly ‘our have also been many positives. – thank you. We must not forget that we were home’ until the fans can join us. Thanks to the great efforts of well-placed in the league when the We popped some videos on the many, including Marc Cucksey, we pandemic hit and then had a great internet this week, to give everyone have also managed to get a good result against Gateshead to secure a peek inside, but I cannot wait for streaming service up-and-running our place in the promotion final, the day when everyone can join us for our fans (bar a few software/ where sadly we fell a little short on to have a look for themselves; make sound issues with one game), so I the day, but it was credit to the hard some noise – and hopefully make hope you enjoy the coverage today. work of the management team and some lasting memories. It really helps the lads knowing that the whole squad to get us into that Normally we would be more than you are getting behind the team, position. halfway through the season at this albeit that you are shouting at the We now have a very talented and time of year and we usually say telly… not them! committed squad that are very that the league positions tend to capable of securing a play-off indicate how things will look at the I wish you and your family all the position for us (if not better) and end of the season, however we very best over the festive period. we are well-placed in the table to have only played nine fixtures so Thanks for your ongoing support mount a challenge if we can get a far, so there is a long way to go this during this difficult period, look good run of games. It was great time around! after each other and I hope to see to progress in the FA Trophy last Today we welcome the players, you all soon. Saturday and at the same time to directors and staff of Alfreton Town. David Newton tick off three “firsts” for the new Billy Heath always produces teams Chairman stadium – first goal, first win and that work hard and are physically

THE PILGRIM BOSTON UNITED v ALFRETON TOWN | 03

Craig Elliott THE MANAGER MANAGER CRAIG ELLIOTT PENS HIS FINAL COLUMN OF AN EVENTFUL 2020.

I would like to wish all Boston “OUR ATTENTION NOW TURNS TO A BUSY FESTIVE United fans a Merry Christmas SEASON WITH SEVERAL DIFFICULT GAMES BUT A GREAT and a Happy New Year. This year OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE UP THE TABLE. THE BIGGEST has been a difficult year for us CHALLENGE THE PLAYERS FACE IS USUALLY THE QUICK all and I really hope 2021 brings TURNAROUND OF FIXTURES BUT THIS YEAR THE us a lot more happiness. I think I FIXTURES HAVE FALLEN KINDLY FOR US ALL.” speak for us all when I say I hope the stadium is full of supporters and we can begin to enjoy our but I felt we deserved the victory trained well and prepared as well football as we once knew it. especially with a strong second half as we can, so I am optimistic the Today we welcome Alfreton Town performance. We gave ourselves yet players are ready for the challenges and it will be a difficult encounter as again a difficult game by conceding that lie ahead in the coming weeks. a goal early and obviously today they have several ex-Boston United As we come to the end of the it is imperative that we get off to players and are managed by a very calendar year, I feel there is no experienced manager in Billy Heath. a good start. We have now been doubt the Covid-19 virus has They will bring a lot of competitive drawn at home against Chesterfield spoiled many memories for us all. and physical presence and with the in the next round and it is probably However, it has been an incredibly experience they have, I am sure we one of the games of the round positive year on the playing field will be have to be at our best to win and something we are already as we finished third in the league the game today. looking forward to. There are some interesting links and we have and reached the promotion final I was delighted last week to beat several ex-Chesterfield players that and being losing finalists in the AFC Fylde, albeit on penalties, I am sure will give Lincolnshire Senior Cup. these players extra We have made a positive start to motivation. the current league campaign and Our attention now remain unbeaten in both the FA Cup turns to a busy festive and FA Trophy competitions. Off season with several the pitch, the biggest lift has been difficult games but finally moving into our magnificent a great opportunity stadium so on reflection there is a to move up the lot of positive news for everybody table. The biggest associated with Boston United. challenge the players I would finally like to add my thanks face is usually the to everybody that works so hard on quick turnaround of the pitch and off the pitch at Boston fixtures but this year United. It really proves what a great the fixtures have club we are and by sticking together fallen kindly for us through thick and thin and staying all. We need to be as positive, I have absolutely no doubt professional as we the future is bright and we will can be both physically and mentally as we soon be all together again enjoying prepare for difficult football. games both home Craig Elliott and away. We have Manager

THE PILGRIM BOSTON UNITED v ALFRETON TOWN | 05

PLAYER & STAFF SPONSORSHIP 20/21

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TERRY MITCH FRASER JOE HAWKRIDGE ROSE PRESTON LEESLEY SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY IN MEMORY AVAILABLE GAMES ANDREW OF DAVID CALL (01205) CENTRAL & STEVEN WOOD 364406 & ADRIAN HEWITT PADLEY MOTORS

THE PILGRIM BOSTON UNITED v ALFRETON TOWN | 07 MATCH BY MATCH 2020/21

First teamATTENDANCE fixtures, results and line-ups DATE COMP OPPOSITION RESULT TOTAL AWAY POS OCTOBER 2020 SAT 3 FAC2Q AFC MANSFIELD H W4-2 N/A N/A - FITZSIMONS WARREN SHIELS 1 GIBBENS ASKEW THANOJ PLATT y DIMAIO THEWLIS BURROW 1 HAWKRIDGE 1 CROOK PRESTON 1 TOOTLE GREEN ARCHER DUXBURY GARNER TUE 6 NLN LEAMINGTON A W4-0 N/A N/A 1 FITZSIMONS y TOOTLE SHIELS 1 GARNER 1 y DUXBURY THANOJ PLATT GREEN 1 y PRESTON BURROW HAWKRIDGE WARREN DIMAIO THEWLIS 1 ARCHER ASKEW SAT 24 NLN AFC TELFORD UNITED H W3-2 N/A N/A 5 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE SHIELS y GARNER 1 DUXBURY y THANOJ PLATT GREEN THEWLIS 1 BURROW 1 HAWKRIDGE CROOK ASKEW DIMAIO ARCHER WARREN TUE 27 NLN GUISELEY H D1-1 N/A N/A 3 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE SHIELS GARNER y DUXBURY y DIMAIO PLATT GREEN THEWLIS BURROW HAWKRIDGE 1 CROOK THANOJ ASKEW ARCHER WARREN SAT 31 NLN SOUTHPORT A W1-0 N/A N/A 3 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE y SHIELS GARNER DUXBURY THANOJ PLATT GREEN THEWLIS 1 BURROW HAWKRIDGE CROOK PRESTON DIMAIO ARCHER WARREN NOVEMBER 2020 SAT 28 NLN AFC FYLDE A L1-2 N/A N/A 13 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE SHIELS GARNER DUXBURY PRESTON ROSE y GREEN DIMAIO BURROW 1 HAWKRIDGE CROOK THANOJ LEESLEY THEWLIS ROLLINS DECEMBER 2020 TUE 1 NLN GLOUCESTER CITY A D0-0 N/A N/A 14 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE SHIELS y GARNER DUXBURY THANOJ ROSE LEESLEY DIMAIO BURROW HAWKRIDGE CROOK GREEN PRESTON THEWLIS ROLLINS SAT 5 NLN CHORLEY H L1-2 N/A N/A 13 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE SHIELS y GARNER y DUXBURY THANOJ ROSE ROLLINS DIMAIO BURROW 1 THEWLIS CROOK GREEN PRESTON LEESLEY HAWKRIDGE TUE 8 NLN BLYTH SPARTANS A W1-0 N/A N/A 11 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE SHIELS GARNER 1 ASKEW THANOJ GREEN THEWLIS DIMAIO BURROW HAWKRIDGE ROSE PRESTON LEESLEY y ROLLINS DUXBURY SAT 12 NLN CHESTER FC H D0-0 N/A N/A 12 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE y SHIELS GARNER DUXBURY THANOJ ROSE y GREEN THEWLIS y BURROW HAWKRIDGE PLATT y PRESTON LEESLEY ROLLINS DIMAIO MON 14 FAT R2 EVESHAM UNITED A W3-0 370 N/A - CROOK WARREN SHIELS GARNER LEESLEY 1 y PRESTON ROSE y GREEN DIMAIO ROLLINS 1 THEWLIS FITZSIMONS PLATT y DUXBURY TOOTLE HAWKRIDGE BURROW 1 SAT 16 FAT R3 AFC FYLDE H D1-1* N/A N/A - FITZSIMONS TOOTLE SHIELS BIRD DUXBURY PRESTON PLATT GREEN LEESLEY BURROW HAWKRIDGE CROOK GARNER DIMAIO 1 WARREN SAT 26 NLN ALFRETON TOWN H 15:00 MON 28 NLN FARSLEY CELTIC A 15:00 JANUARY 2021 SAT 2 NLN ALFRETON TOWN A 15:00 TUE 5 NLN KETTERING TOWN H 19:45 SAT 9 NLN YORK CITY H 15:00 MON 11 NLN BRADFORD PARK AVENUE A 19:45 SAT 16 FAT R4 CHESTERFIELD H 15:00 TUE 19 NLN SPENNYMOOR TOWN H 19:45 SAT 23 NLN BRACKLEY TOWN H 15:00 SAT 30 NLN HEREFORD FC H 15:00 FEBRUARY 2021 SAT 6 NLN CURZON ASHTON A 15:00 TUE 9 NLN KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS H 19:45 SAT 13 NLN GUISELEY A 15:00 TUE 16 NLN DARLINGTON A 19:45 SAT 20 NLN LEAMINGTON H 15:00 SAT 27 NLN AFC TELFORD UNITED A 15:00 MARCH 2021 LEAGUE TABLE 2020/21 SAT 6 NLN BRADFORD PARK AVENUE H 15:00 # Pl W D L F A GD Pts SAT 13 NLN DARLINGTON H 15:00 1 GLOUCESTER CITY 13 SAT 20 NLN CHORLEY A 15:00 8 3 2 28 15 13 27 TUE 23 NLN KETTERING TOWN A 19:45 2 KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS 11 7 2 2 18 8 10 23 SAT 27 NLN AFC FYLDE H 15:00 3 AFC FYLDE 11 6 3 2 16 12 4 21 APRIL 2021 4 YORK CITY 9 5 3 1 16 8 8 18 FRI 2 NLN SPENNYMOOR TOWN A 15:00 5 CHESTER 12 5 3 4 22 18 4 18 MON 5 NLN BLYTH SPARTANS H 15:00 6 AFC TELFORD UNITED 13 5 3 5 15 15 0 18 SAT 10 NLN CHESTER FC A 15:00 7 GATESHEAD 11 5 2 4 13 10 3 17 TUE 13 NLN GLOUCESTER CITY H 19:45 SAT 17 NLN SOUTHPORT H 15:00 8 LEAMINGTON 11 4 5 2 19 17 2 17 SAT 24 NLN KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS A 15:00 9 BRACKLEY TOWN 11 4 5 2 14 13 1 17 MAY 2021 10 FARSLEY CELTIC 13 4 5 4 16 17 -1 17 SAT 1 NLN FARSLEY CELTIC H 15:00 11 SPENNYMOOR TOWN 11 4 4 3 15 13 2 16 MON 3 NLN YORK CITY A 15:00 12 BOSTON UNITED 9 4 3 2 11 7 4 15 SAT 8 NLN GATESHEAD H 15:00 13 SOUTHPORT 13 4 3 6 14 17 -3 15 SAT 15 NLN BRACKLEY TOWN A 15:00 SAT 22 NLN HEREFORD FC A 15:00 14 CHORLEY 11 3 4 4 10 12 -2 13 10/11/1999 SAT 29 NLN CURZON ASHTON H 15:00 15 BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE) 12 3 4 5 18 21 -3 13 TBA NLN GATESHEAD A TBC 16 HEREFORD 9 3 3 3 14 14 0 12 * WON 4-2 ON PENALTIES 17 KETTERING TOWN 11 3 3 5 15 17 -2 12 18 CURZON ASHTON 14 3 3 8 12 23 -11 12 19 GUISELEY 11 3 2 6 15 17 -2 11 20 ALFRETON TOWN 13 2 5 6 12 22 -10 11 21 DARLINGTON 7 3 0 4 11 8 3 9 22 BLYTH SPARTANS 12 1 2 9 8 28 -20 5

First teamATTENDANCE fixtures, results and line-ups DATE COMP OPPOSITION RESULT TOTAL AWAY POS OCTOBER 2020 SAT 3 FAC2Q AFC MANSFIELD H W4-2 N/A N/A - FITZSIMONS WARREN SHIELS 1 GIBBENS ASKEW THANOJ PLATT y DIMAIO THEWLIS BURROW 1 HAWKRIDGE 1 CROOK PRESTON 1 TOOTLE GREEN ARCHER DUXBURY GARNER TUE 6 NLN LEAMINGTON A W4-0 N/A N/A 1 FITZSIMONS y TOOTLE SHIELS 1 GARNER 1 y DUXBURY THANOJ PLATT GREEN 1 y PRESTON BURROW HAWKRIDGE WARREN DIMAIO THEWLIS 1 ARCHER ASKEW SAT 24 NLN AFC TELFORD UNITED H W3-2 N/A N/A 5 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE SHIELS y GARNER 1 DUXBURY y THANOJ PLATT GREEN THEWLIS 1 BURROW 1 HAWKRIDGE CROOK ASKEW DIMAIO ARCHER WARREN TUE 27 NLN GUISELEY H D1-1 N/A N/A 3 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE SHIELS GARNER y DUXBURY y DIMAIO PLATT GREEN THEWLIS BURROW HAWKRIDGE 1 CROOK THANOJ ASKEW ARCHER WARREN SAT 31 NLN SOUTHPORT A W1-0 N/A N/A 3 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE y SHIELS GARNER DUXBURY THANOJ PLATT GREEN THEWLIS 1 BURROW HAWKRIDGE CROOK PRESTON DIMAIO ARCHER WARREN NOVEMBER 2020 SAT 28 NLN AFC FYLDE A L1-2 N/A N/A 13 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE SHIELS GARNER DUXBURY PRESTON ROSE y GREEN DIMAIO BURROW 1 HAWKRIDGE CROOK THANOJ LEESLEY THEWLIS ROLLINS DECEMBER 2020 TUE 1 NLN GLOUCESTER CITY A D0-0 N/A N/A 14 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE SHIELS y GARNER DUXBURY THANOJ ROSE LEESLEY DIMAIO BURROW HAWKRIDGE CROOK GREEN PRESTON THEWLIS ROLLINS SAT 5 NLN CHORLEY H L1-2 N/A N/A 13 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE SHIELS y GARNER y DUXBURY THANOJ ROSE ROLLINS DIMAIO BURROW 1 THEWLIS CROOK GREEN PRESTON LEESLEY HAWKRIDGE TUE 8 NLN BLYTH SPARTANS A W1-0 N/A N/A 11 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE SHIELS GARNER 1 ASKEW THANOJ GREEN THEWLIS DIMAIO BURROW HAWKRIDGE ROSE PRESTON LEESLEY y ROLLINS DUXBURY SAT 12 NLN CHESTER FC H D0-0 N/A N/A 12 FITZSIMONS TOOTLE y SHIELS GARNER DUXBURY THANOJ ROSE y GREEN THEWLIS y BURROW HAWKRIDGE PLATT y PRESTON LEESLEY ROLLINS DIMAIO MON 14 FAT R2 EVESHAM UNITED A W3-0 370 N/A - CROOK WARREN SHIELS GARNER LEESLEY 1 y PRESTON ROSE y GREEN DIMAIO ROLLINS 1 THEWLIS FITZSIMONS PLATT y DUXBURY TOOTLE HAWKRIDGE BURROW 1 SAT 16 FAT R3 AFC FYLDE H D1-1* N/A N/A - FITZSIMONS TOOTLE SHIELS BIRD DUXBURY PRESTON PLATT GREEN LEESLEY BURROW HAWKRIDGE CROOK GARNER DIMAIO 1 WARREN SAT 26 NLN ALFRETON TOWN H 15:00 MON 28 NLN FARSLEY CELTIC A 15:00 JANUARY 2021 SAT 2 NLN ALFRETON TOWN A 15:00 TUE 5 NLN KETTERING TOWN H 19:45 SAT 9 NLN YORK CITY H 15:00 MON 11 NLN BRADFORD PARK AVENUE A 19:45 SAT 16 FAT R4 CHESTERFIELD H 15:00 PLAYER APPEARANCES 2020/21 TUE 19 NLN SPENNYMOOR TOWN H 19:45 CURRENT PLAYERS DATE OF BIRTH APPEARANCES GOALS YELLOW CARDS RED CARDS SAT 23 NLN BRACKLEY TOWN H 15:00 SAT 30 NLN HEREFORD FC H 15:00 Ross FITZSIMONS 28/05/1994 11 (0) 0 1 0 FEBRUARY 2021 Matt TOOTLE 11/10/1990 10 (0) 0 2 0 SAT 6 NLN CURZON ASHTON A 15:00 Scott DUXBURY 02/05/1995 9 (0) 0 3 0 TUE 9 NLN KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS H 19:45 Tom PLATT 01/10/1993 6 (2) 0 4 0 SAT 13 NLN GUISELEY A 15:00 Scott GARNER 20/09/1989 10 (1) 3 3 0 TUE 16 NLN DARLINGTON A 19:45 SAT 20 NLN LEAMINGTON H 15:00 Luke SHIELS 21/09/1989 12 (0) 2 3 0 SAT 27 NLN AFC TELFORD UNITED A 15:00 Andi THANOJ 19/12/1992 8 (0) 0 0 0 MARCH 2021 LEAGUE TABLE 2020/21 Paul GREEN 10/04/1983 9 (3) 1 2 0 SAT 6 NLN BRADFORD PARK AVENUE H 15:00 Jordan BURROW 12/09/1992 11 (1) 4 0 0 SAT 13 NLN DARLINGTON H 15:00 Jordan THEWLIS 24/10/1992 8 (3) 3 0 1 SAT 20 NLN CHORLEY A 15:00 TUE 23 NLN KETTERING TOWN A 19:45 Jay ROLLINS 01/06/1994 2 (3) 1 0 0 SAT 27 NLN AFC FYLDE H 15:00 Pierce BIRD 16/04/1999 1 (0) 0 0 0 APRIL 2021 Peter CROOK 22/04/1994 1 (0) 0 0 0 FRI 2 NLN SPENNYMOOR TOWN A 15:00 Lewis GIBBENS 10/11/1999 1 (0) 0 0 0 MON 5 NLN BLYTH SPARTANS H 15:00 Tyrell WARREN 05/10/1998 2 (2) 0 0 0 SAT 10 NLN CHESTER FC A 15:00 TUE 13 NLN GLOUCESTER CITY H 19:45 Josh ASKEW 20/02/1998 2 (0) 0 0 0 SAT 17 NLN SOUTHPORT H 15:00 Connor DIMAIO 28/01/1996 7 (3) 1 0 0 SAT 24 NLN KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS A 15:00 Terry HAWKRIDGE 23/02/1990 10 (2) 2 0 0 MAY 2021 Jordan ARCHER 15/10/1993 0 (4) 0 0 0 SAT 1 NLN FARSLEY CELTIC H 15:00 Mitch ROSE 04/07/1994 5 (0) 0 2 1 MON 3 NLN YORK CITY A 15:00 SAT 8 NLN GATESHEAD H 15:00 Jake FRESTLE 11/12/2002 0 (0) 0 0 0 SAT 15 NLN BRACKLEY TOWN A 15:00 Fraser PRESTON 05/03/1999 4 (4) 1 1 0 SAT 22 NLN HEREFORD FC A 15:00 Joe LEESLEY 29/03/199410/11/1999 3 (4) 1 2 0 SAT 29 NLN CURZON ASHTON H 15:00 TBA NLN GATESHEAD A TBC * WON 4-2 ON PENALTIES SportsPictures.Online Russell and Fred Dossett Official Matchday Videography Partner of Boston United

THE PILGRIM BOSTON UNITED v ALFRETON TOWN | 09 Adam Shergold THE BIGGER PICTURE ADAM SHERGOLD REFLECTS ON AN ‘UNFORGETTABLE’ 2020

Nobody is ever going to reflect myself watching matches from the I had an entire carriage to myself, I on the year 2020 with any kind of Vysheyshaya Liga in Belarus, one of a alighted in Cardiff and walked along affection or nostalgia. handful of football competitions that eerily deserted streets to an empty Maybe those who bought shares in carried on, just to get a football fix. stadium where somebody measured Zoom when it was a mere start-up The quality wasn’t a great deal better my temperature and asked me or invested in our vaccine saviours than the National League in many health questions as I checked in. Pfizer might find a silver lining from cases and in one game the highlight We hear much about the ‘new the past 12 months. arrived when a stray cat ran on the normal’ and that is what it’s become. But for the vast majority of the field and a steward had to chase At first, sitting there in a stadium population of planet Earth it’s been after it. without fans was strange and one long marathon of misery, one Nonetheless, needs must, and after unpleasant. Very quickly, and this is that simply continued with the a few weeks I could tell the difference a bit depressing to say, I got used inevitable ‘cancellation’ of Christmas between my Dinamo Brest and my to it. After all, I did have a job to get for millions in the UK. FC Slutsk. It scratched an itch. on with. And remember those cheerful ITV’s decision to replay all of the I’ve been very fortunate to continue souls who tell you they used the matches from Euro ’96 was a attending matches regularly in the empty hours of lockdown to teach welcome one. Too young to really months since. Not as many as normal themselves ancient Greek, read the remember much of the tournament but enough to stave off the mental entire back catalogue of Fyodor at the time, it was great to watch demons. Dostoevsky, been out for a run not only England’s matches on that But the oddest thing is walking along every day or otherwise ‘improve’ bittersweet run to the semi-finals, but totally lifeless streets in provincial themselves are lying. other nations as well. cities with not a soul about. Usually In reality, all of society has become Re-watching England’s magnificent on matchdays these places would be more anti-social through this 4-1 win over Holland one evening, heaving and there would be a buzz of enforced isolation and it will take time it wasn’t hard to understand why anticipation. Now it seemed the virus in what will hopefully be a brighter so many at the time considered it a had torn the heart out of the place. 2021 to return to the things we golden opportunity to end the years During that oh-so-brief window last formerly took for granted. of hurt. month when 2,000 fans were allowed No doubt some features of this Germany’s Bundesliga made its back into London grounds, I covered year, such as mask wearing, hand comeback in May and that was most games at Brentford and Watford with sanitising and social distancing will welcome. Confined to the house, a bit of life and colour in the stands remain for a little while longer, which it was nice of BT Sport to start again. might not necessarily be a bad idea. screening every single game from a Actually, it’s impressive how much On a local note, the pandemic league I watched a lot of anyway. noise 2,000 people can make, even has prevented Boston United So those empty Saturday afternoons when wearing face masks. supporters from stepping inside became a three-screen set up in my As it stands, we seem to have moved our new stadium, which has been a spare room watching three German backwards once again. But hopefully frustration. games simultaneously and it seemed the arrival of 2021 will bring renewed But taking into account the wider like a feast after the football famine. optimism of a return to normality as picture, sport has brought light into By mid-June, the top English leagues quickly as possible. many lives during this tough year. were restarting again and the Sunday Life won’t quite be the same and that I certainly would have struggled to I travelled to south Wales to cover applies to the old rituals of going to cope without a football match to Cardiff City vs Leeds United really felt the match. But it will return and we’ll watch on television or attending the like the end of lockdown (little did I be all the more grateful when it does. odd game in a work capacity. know…) Adam Shergold During the Spring lockdown, I found Boarding a train at Paddington where @adamjshergold

10 | BOSTON UNITED v ALFRETON TOWN THE PILGRIM Duncan Browne MEDIA VIEWPOINT DUNCAN BROWNE TALKS ABOUT A WELCOME WIN OVER AFC FYLDE SEVEN DAYS AGO

Sometimes Connor Dimaio creates a moment of magic out of nowhere and you just want to re-live it. Thankfully, you can. No, I’m not talking about his assists at Darlington (more of that later), but his inch-perfect finish here last week against AFC Fylde. The Pilgrims got their first-ever goal at the Jakemans Community Stadium at the third time of asking, and what a goal it was. Using fast footwork and a clever turn of pace the summer recruit caught the ball perfectly on the spin and watched it curl into the “THE PILGRIMS GOT THEIR FIRST-EVER GOAL AT THE net to draw the hosts level in the JAKEMANS COMMUNITY STADIUM AT THE THIRD TIME 83rd minute. OF ASKING, AND WHAT A GOAL IT WAS.” You’ve probably watched it back countless times on social media by I use the capital M because I can drumming his fingers and waiting now. If not, you really should. only liken the past few weeks to for the memo to confirm “anyone And as the ball found the net that scene in the Kathy Bates film. based in Lincolnshire and wearing a remarkable chain of events Being strapped to the bed amber and black will be fined fifty followed, which included the and having your feet smashed grand and relegated to division Pilgrims winning a penalty repeatedly by a sledgehammer is four of the Siberian Sunday shootout and Scott Garner - who perhaps the perfect metaphor for League. You have 14 days to had seen spot-kicks saved in the FA life off the field at the club right appeal!” Trophy at North Ferriby and against now. But none of that felt relevant at Chorley in that play-off semi-final - Two bouts of Covid-19 and two successful from 12 yards. the weekend as Dimaio’s effort fortnights of self-isolation - whack! slotted home, Ross Fitzsimons beat Suddenly, it felt like a whole host of The floodlights at Bradford (Park away those Coasters penalties and ghosts had been laid to rest. Avenue) - smash (and smash Garner’s thumper was too powerful Not just a shootout win and again)! Tier three, no fans - wallop! to be tipped away. Garner’s finish, but that first goal Forced to withdraw from the FA Of course, Alfreton arrive here at home, that first moment of real Cup - bang! Lotto rescue package today planning to spoil Christmas celebration since moving to the cash distribution madness - bam! and heap on more misery. But Jakemans Community Stadium Rivals sticking in seven days for a maybe last week was the spark and - hopefully, most poignant of player just as you’re preparing to this dressing room needed. Happy all - a bit of joy in what has been face them - bosh! Forced to replay nothing short of a terrible start to a game where you were leading New Year? the season for United. 2-0 in the 87th minute - crack! Duncan Browne On the pitch it’s been fine, but off After all that I imagine David Boston Standard the pitch it’s been Misery. Newton must have been @DuncanBrowneJPI

THE PILGRIM BOSTON UNITED v ALFRETON TOWN | 11 Rob Makepeace COUNTY SCENE ROB MAKEPEACE PROVIDES HIS TAKE ON THE PILGRIMS’ MOVE TO WYBERTON.

Here we are then, already at “THIS WEEK, THE VIDEOS OF THE STADIUM INTERIOR Boxing Day and glad that the HAVE BEEN RELEASED AND I’M SURE YOU’LL AGREE, IT season has been able to start LOOKS SUPERB.” and continue even though there’s been a couple of Covid-19 breaks along the way. I don’t think you can underestimate just how important last week’s victory over AFC Fylde was. The FA Trophy might not be the main priority over the league, but getting that first win and first goal will do the Pilgrims the world of good I’m sure over the coming weeks and months. The goal itself was superb, a real bit of quality from Connor Dimaio who’s really caught the eye since his move in the summer. He’s one of those players that you feel can produce a moment of magic out of nothing. Chesterfield up next will be difficult to say the least - especially that reunion with Tom Denton, but Boston won’t fear anyone. It’ll be a good test against a side who have found their form since the new January 2, a seven or nine points thing I’m sure you’ll feel, is that it’s manager was appointed and as out of nine total will see Boston already Boston’s home. back in those National League Craig Elliott has pointed out, you Sometime new stadiums can North play-off places as we enter need to beat many good teams if almost feel like they don’t have the 2021. you want to reach the final in May. soul or identity of a football club This week, the videos of the Some crucial league games on but it doesn’t feel that way in the stadium interior have been the agenda though before that, slightest here. starting with Alfreton today. Just released and I’m sure you’ll agree, 15 points separate top and today’s it looks superb. The chairman As we have all season, we will opponents who are just above the showed a group of us from the have commentary of the games relegation zone, which shows the media round a few weeks ago over the festive period on the BBC table hasn’t really settled down and we certainly thought it looked Sport website. Have a great rest of yet and probably won’t for a while spectacular which I’m sure you the festive period and New Year! agree with! as some sides play catch up with Rob Makepeace others. Christmas and New Year Fingers crossed, you’ll be able to @rob_makepeace is always a vital time for clubs with come to the Jakemans Community the amount of points on offer and Stadium in the coming months BBC Radio Lincolnshire I’m guessing come the evening of to use the new facility. The first

12 | BOSTON UNITED v ALFRETON TOWN THE PILGRIM Pete Brooksbank TERRACE CHATTER PETE BROOKSBANK PROVIDES A WITTY FINALE TO THE YEAR OF 2020.

Can I just shock you? I didn’t reasons to chuck someone out. I it’s invited onto the National League enjoy 2020. Who did? Anyone? miss the travelling, the beers (okay, board. Unfortunately, with Boston No, didn’t think so. Piers Corbyn elderflower gin), bus replacement staying in Tier 3 (or potentially even aside, I reckon most of us have services, fans getting stranded in worse), the Pilgrims are likely to be endured a miserable 12 months, Crewe. I even miss the Nottingham- forced to play games behind-closed- either dodging police while on Skegness service. And there’s a doors well into the new year. I say illegal walks in the Peak District sentence I never thought I’d write. I ‘likely’ as the official advice seems to or trapped indoors watching must be desperate. change every other day. I have no Homes Under The Hammer and But the wait continues. As this clue. I don’t think anyone really does. wondering if the delivery driver weirdest of years limps to a There is an upside though. Given the will judge you for ordering beer conclusion even more hapless than ongoing uncertainty, the Pilgrims on UberEats at 10am on a Tuesday the final Star Wars, Covid-19 is still made the reluctant decision this morning. lurking in the shadows - splitting up week to throw open the doors to the Weirdly, Facebook pushing families, destroying livelihoods and new stadium in a series of behind- “Memories” on the anniversary of filling hospitals. And away from the the-scenes videos, despite originally 2019’s epic Rochdale game didn’t awful human toll, the virus has also intending the stadium to be seen in really help lift the mood. The sight of crushed many of our normal festive person first. The slick videos gave the Town End packed to the rafters, traditions, like being conned into fans a glimpse not only of David the swirling smoke from illicit pyro, a Winter Wonderland at a derelict Newton’s outstanding lockdown the sound of that roar when Boston Pontins or arguing with strangers on facial hair but also a first look at the scored – great as it was to relive the the internet about whether Die Hard much-anticipated interiors developed occasion, it was impossible not to is a Christmas movie (it definitely is). in conjunction with Ceri Jackson (the feel a bit stung that another night Unbelievably, the RNA sequence club’s community and marketing like that seems as far away as ever. of the coronavirus runs to eight stalwart), Nick Appleyard (the The game may have only been a year kilobytes of data. Eight! To put that obscenely talented guy responsible ago, but frankly it feels like five. into context, that’s seven kilobytes for those excellent retro programme Even Connor Dimaio’s stunning goal more than the “Club Honours” covers) and Christian James against Fylde last weekend – the first section of Gainsborough Trinity’s (spreadsheets). Boston goal at the Jakemans - was website. Tiny as it is, those eight It’s useful to know who to blame if tempered by the knowledge no-one kilobytes are why today’s local derby you hate what’s been done, but in was there to see it. In ordinary times against near neighbours Alfreton truth no-one was left disappointed such brilliance would have caused Town will again be played in front by what was revealed - or by Craig limbs on the new Town End, but of an audience of precisely zero Singleton channelling his inner the ground-breaking moment was fans, and also why none of us have Loyd Grossman as our virtual guide. met instead with a couple of muted dodged that leftover turkey with Everything looks magnificent, as we shouts rattling around deserted the taste and texture of an IKEA all knew it would. stands – a bit like any normal game bookcase. So that’s that. The final home game at Grantham Town. So with Boxing Day football another of a crazy year. Hopefully, despite Like everyone else, I just really miss casualty of 2020, anyone looking to everything, we can sign off with a first football. I miss terrible burgers escape the house to watch some league victory at the new Jakemans at terrible grounds in terrible cup sport might as well resign themselves and look ahead to better things in competitions. I miss the bloke to their fate. You’d probably get 2021. Like, I dunno, no deadly virus shouting “rubbish Boston!” three tasered by Jason Hatfield before you and… promotion? Yeah, I’d take that. seconds after kick-off. I miss the smell got within 50 feet of the stadium. Enjoy today’s game and have a safe of stale beer in alien clubhouses Yep – it’s fair to say SARS-CoV-2 has Christmas and New Year. and grumpy Lancashire stewards proved so remorselessly heartless it’s Pete Brooksbank with suspect haircuts trying to find surely only a matter of time before @petebrooksbank

THE PILGRIM BOSTON UNITED v ALFRETON TOWN | 13 Richard Collins PILGRIMS PUZZLER RICHARD COLLINS BRINGS YOU ANOTHER ROUND OF FOOTBALL TRIVIA WORLD DOMESTIC BOSTON FOOTBALL FOOTBALL UNITED Q1 Against which nation did the Q6 Which team played at the Q11 Who joined Boston United England national team achieve Wexham Park Stadium and for the first of his two spells, its first-ever World Cup Finals had several seasons in the top aged 35, in 2006, having penalty shootout victory? flight of non-league football previously played for Redditch during the 1990s? United, Aston Villa, Wycombe Q2 The Netherlands have never Q7 Wanderers and Peterborough won the World Cup. But how How many teams took part in United? many times have they played the first ever Football League in the Final? season in 1888? Q12 Which former Boston United player released an Q3 (i) 10; Which (then) Premier League (ii) 12; autobiography titled “The Beast” goalkeeper played for Trinidad (iii) 14; in 2017? & Tobago at the 2006 World (iv) 16; Cup Finals? Q13 Which two players scored for (v) 18. Boston United in a 2-2 play-off Q8 Which striker reportedly draw with Chorley in 2014-2015, moved from non-league a match in which the Pilgrims Crockenhill to Gillingham in went on to lose after a penalty 1982 in exchange for a set of shootout? tracksuits, later playing for the likes of Millwall, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Marseille as well as earning 88 international caps for the Republic of Ireland? Q9 Which club spent several seasons in the upper echelons of non-league football in the early 2000s, but then lost manager Graham Westley Q4 Wayne Rooney scored and a number of players to a famous hat-trick for Stevenage before entering Q14 United’s assistant manager John Manchester United on his administration, being expelled McDermott made a record 753 club debut in the Champions from the Conference South appearances for Grimsby Town League in 2004. But which and then reforming at a lower during his playing career. But team were they playing level? what was his primary playing against? Q10 At which team did John position? Q5 Which England international Atyeo make 645 first team Q15 The late Jim Smith began his defender was named in the appearances and score 351 managerial career as player- “team of the tournament” for goals (1951 to 1966), thereby manager of Boston United in successive World Cups in 1998 holding both the appearances 1969. But which was the last and 2002? and goalscoring records at club he managed in 2008?

that club?

United.

Farnborough Town; Q10 Bristol City; Q11 David Farrell; Q12 Adebayo Akinfenwa; Q13 Scott Garner and Kaine Felix; Q14 Right-Back; Q15 Oxford Oxford Q15 Right-Back; Q14 Felix; Kaine and Garner Scott Q13 Akinfenwa; Adebayo Q12 Farrell; David Q11 City; Bristol Q10 Town; Farnborough

Q1 Colombia; Q2 Three; Q3 Shaka Hislop; Q4 Fenerbahce; Q5 Sol Campbell; Q6 Slough Town; Q7 (ii) 12; Q8 Tony Cascarino; Q9 Q9 Cascarino; Tony Q8 12; (ii) Q7 Town; Slough Q6 Campbell; Sol Q5 Fenerbahce; Q4 Hislop; Shaka Q3 Three; Q2 Colombia; Q1 ANSWERS:

14 | BOSTON UNITED v ALFRETON TOWN THE PILGRIM Christian James STATISTICALLY SPEAKING STATISTICIAN CHRISTIAN JAMES REFLECTS ON A SHOOTOUT VICTORY OVER AFC FYLDE

So, after over four hours, United “IT WAS JOHN MCDERMOTT’S ALFRETON SIDE got their goal as Connor Dimaio THAT CRAIG ELLIOTT WON HIS FIRST AWAY THREE grabbed a piece of history POINTS AGAINST THREE YEARS AND THREE DAYS for himself and in turn pulled AGO, WHILE HEATH’S TOWN OUTFITS WON AT Boston back into a tie they YORK STREET THEN HELD UNITED TO 1-1 DRAWS AT looked to have lost after 22 NORTH STREET TWICE IN 2019.” seconds. While I don’t think anyone was suffering a crisis of confidence Both Luke Shiels and Tom Platt unsurprisingly moved on. (yet), it was important for United to were in red the last time the sides Despite neither being promoted break their Pilgrim Way duck last met in South Lincolnshire, as the or relegated, these sides have met Saturday. Go three games without away side won 1-0 two years ago just three times since December scoring and it starts to become a today. 2017, and United haven’t won any ’thing’ so hopefully the side can United’s captain and top goalscorer of them. begin to settle in now they’ve found that season have both since gone It was John McDermott’s Alfreton the net. the other way, George Willis and side that Craig Elliott won his first The Pilgrims are still chasing a first Nicky Walker familiar faces in away three points against three win in 90 minutes however, and opposition this afternoon, and years and three days ago, while who better to register it against George in particular will no doubt Heath’s Town outfits won at York than Alfreton? The sides have want to impress. Street then held United to 1-1 exchanged players frequently, Willis was not only United captain draws at North Street twice in 2019. while Billy Heath is a figure who in 2018-2019 but also player of the Heath of course had the last has somewhat haunted United in year, although having made just laugh in the 2015-2016 play-offs recent years. three appearances last season he as Boston lost their 2-0 first leg lead, and since that Zak Mills volley the Yorkshireman has gone six unbeaten against United with North Ferriby, Halifax and then Alfreton. While it might be true that the Pilgrims today face a side winless in six league games, Alfreton have picked up credible draws against Chester and Chorley in their last two – the latter seeing the Magpies score deep in stoppage time from a questionable penalty. But United have found the net here now – and how often does a dry spell end with a flurry of goals? Christian James @bostonutdstats

THE PILGRIM BOSTON UNITED v ALFRETON TOWN | 15 THE TEAMS

BOSTON UNITED Saturday 26th December 2020 | 15:00 FOOTBALL CLUB Vanarama National League North Jakemans Community Stadium Pilgrim Way Wyberton BOSTON UNITED ALFRETON TOWN Boston MANAGER: CRAIG ELLIOTT MANAGER: BILLY HEATH PE21 7NE ROSS FITZSIMONS 01 TEDDY UNWIN-MARRIS CLUB DIRECTORY President: John Blackwell MATT TOOTLE 02 GEORGE WILLIS Chairman: David Newton SCOTT DUXBURY 03 WILL ATKINSON Vice-Chairman: Neil Kempster TOM PLATT 04 DAN BRADLEY Director: Chris Cook SCOTT GARNER 05 CONOR BRANSON Chief Executive: Mike Hardy LUKE SHIELS 06 JOSH CLACKSTONE Club Secretary: Craig Singleton ANDI THANOJ 07 DANNY CLARKE General Manager: Rebecca Barker PAUL GREEN 08 JAKE DAY Office Administrator: Claire Bennett Head Chef & Catering Manager: Phil Pack JORDAN BURROW 09 NATHAN FOX Head Groundsman: Jim Portas JORDAN THEWLIS 10 BOBBY JOHNSON First Team Manager: Craig Elliott JAY ROLLINS 11 JAMES JONES Assistant Manager: John McDermott PIERCE BIRD 12 TOBY LEES First Team Coach: Lee Stratford PETER CROOK 13 ADAM LUND Goalkeeping Coach: Rich Lawrence LEWIS GIBBENS 14 LUKE RAWSON Chief Scout: Richard Boryszczuk Head of Medical: Hayden Clifton TYRELL WARREN 15 ELLIOTT REEVES CONNOR DIMAIO 17 DOMINIC SMITH THE PILGRIM TERRY HAWKRIDGE 18 SHAUN TUTON Programme Editor: Craig Singleton Photography: Tim Hoff, Russell Dossett, MITCH ROSE 19 NICKY WALKER Eric Brown, Oliver Atkin, Jake Whiteley JAKE FRESTLE 20 Design: Mark Tomlinson (Full Circles) FRASER PRESTON 21 Print: PDM - Print Digital Media JOE LEESLEY 22 DISCLAIMER The views expressed within this programme are not necessarily those of Boston United Football Club, the board of directors or the editor. MATCH OFFICIALS FA RULE 2.13 Referee: Dean Watson Club Name: Assistant Referees: Boston United Football Club Limited Scott Mason & Zac Kennard-Kettle Company Number: FORTHCOMING FIXTURES 00303529 (Limited by Shares) NEXT AT HOME NEXT ON THE ROAD Primary Shareholders: Boston United Holding Company Limited (06552437) - primary shareholder David Sydney Newton; Anthony Dowse; Chestnut Homes Limited (02757691) - primary shareholder David Sydney KETTERING TOWN FARSLEY CELTIC Tuesday 5th January 2021 Monday 28th December 2020 Newton. Kick-Off: 19:45 Kick-Off: 15:00 Vanarama National League North Vanarama National League North Jakemans Community Stadium The Citadel, Farsley Boston United would like to remind Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the Jakemans Community Stadium all supporters to refrain from racist, and to smoke you need to be outside the stadium in the Main Car Park. homophobic or discriminative chanting.