It was a busy midweek in the Lincolnshire non-league scene, with important games at both ends of the table and mixed fortunes for local sides.
Boston United picked up a dramatic late point at home to Altrincham in a game that could yet prove important in their push for safety. The visitors started brightly and controlled the early stages, but as the half wore on Boston grew into the game and took the lead in the 12th minute through Luca Barrington.
The goal lifted United and Barrington almost doubled the lead moments later, only to be denied by goalkeeper Hutchinson, who then produced a series of excellent saves to keep the score at 1-0 going into the break. The Bolton loanee was in outstanding form and kept his side in the match almost single-handedly during Boston’s best spell.
The second half began with an immediate response from Altrincham, who equalised in the 47th minute through Howe. That gave the visitors momentum and they took the lead in the 62nd minute when Knowles finished well. Boston pushed hard for an equaliser and threw men forward late on, finishing the match with four attackers on the pitch.
Hutchinson made another excellent save in the 92nd minute, but a minute later Tom Cursons found the net to earn Boston a deserved point. After the match, Paul Hurst said he was pleased with the overall performance, particularly the first half display, and the point moves Boston another step closer to safety.
Gainsborough Trinity suffered a setback in their push for the play-offs as they lost at home to Bamber Bridge in difficult conditions. The match was delayed after the visitors’ coach was held up in traffic, and when the game finally got underway both sides had to contend with heavy rain and strong winds. Trinity gradually took control and created a couple of chances in the first half but were unable to convert. Just before half time Johnny Margetts went down in the penalty area, but appeals were waved away and the game remained goalless at the break.
The weather improved slightly in the second half, although the wind remained strong, and Trinity continued to have the better of the chances. However, in the 69th minute, against the run of play, Bamber Bridge scored to take the lead. Trinity pushed forward in search of an equaliser but could not break down the visitors’ defence, and the game ended in a home defeat that dents their play-off hopes.
Stamford were also in action as they looked for points at Stratford to help their fight against relegation. They made a strong start and took the lead after ten minutes through Leon Lobjoit. Stamford continued to attack and had chances to extend their lead but were punished in the 30th minute when Stratford equalised, and the sides went into half time level.
Stamford again started the second half well and regained the lead in the 52nd minute through Kai Sanchez-Tonge. However, Stratford were awarded a penalty in the 63rd minute which they converted to level the game again. Stamford pushed forward looking for another goal but were caught twice late on, conceding in the 76th and 82nd minutes as Stratford ran out 4-2 winners. The scoreline arguably flattered the home side, but Stamford remain 19th and in the relegation places.
At the top end of the table, Harborough Town drew 2-2 with third placed Real Bedford, a result that leaves them six points clear of second-placed Spalding with both sides now having played the same number of games.
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