Four of our local non-league sides were in action this evening and, overall, it proved to be a positive night across the region.
Boston United were looking to make it three wins in a row as they welcomed bottom-of-the-table Gateshead, knowing victory would lift them into mid-table and further clear of relegation trouble. Boston made the perfect start, taking the lead in the fourth minute from a free kick.
Carson delivered a teasing ball into the box and Tom Curson was on hand to finish. The Pilgrims were the stronger side throughout the first half and created further chances, but were unable to add to their advantage before the break.
The pattern continued after half-time, with Boston again dominant but wasteful in front of goal. Defensively, however, they were solid, keeping Gateshead at arm’s length to secure a deserved 1-0 win and another valuable three points.
Gainsborough Trinity faced a third consecutive away fixture, making three changes from the side that had been beaten by Leek as they travelled to Bamber Bridge. Trinity also struck early, Lewis Butroid opening the scoring in the fourth minute.
Bamber Bridge gradually worked their way back into the contest and drew level in the 24th minute through Kofi Moore, although Trinity were unhappy with the build-up and Offler was booked for his protests. The game remained finely balanced at half-time and took a dramatic turn in the 64th minute when Offler received a second booking and was sent off. Rather than folding, Trinity responded superbly.
A huge collective effort saw them regain the lead in the 78th minute when Tuntulwana found the net, before Helliwell sealed a memorable 3-1 victory deep into stoppage time. The result lifts Gainsborough further up the table and into the play-off positions.
Lincoln United continued their strong recent form with a home fixture against Heaton Stannington, played in front of a crowd of 115. United were sharp going forward and took a deserved lead in the 27th minute through Connor Brown. That advantage remained intact at half-time and United continued to dominate after the restart.
Against the run of play, they conceded a penalty in the 70th minute, which Heaton converted to level the scores. United responded positively and just six minutes later Brown struck again, scoring his second of the night to restore the lead and secure all three points. The win extends United’s unbeaten run to five games, a fine return under manager Dave Frecklington.
The final local fixture saw Pinchbeck United handed a tough home assignment against league leaders Retford United. Unfortunately for Pinchbeck, it proved a step too far, with Retford scoring in the 36th, 56th, and 66th minutes to claim a 3-0 victory. Pinchbeck continued to work hard and went close to pulling a goal back late on, but it was not their evening.
Overall, it was a largely encouraging night for our local non-league clubs, with strong wins and positive performances across the board.
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