Four-goal Pilgrims stroll on

Jamie Yates

Report by Craig Singleton at The Jakemans Stadium

PICS: Tim Hoff

Boston United booked their place in the last four of the Lincolnshire Senior Shield courtesy of a 4-0 success over Grantham Town on Tuesday evening.

Goals from Danny Davidson, Jamie Yates, Miles Hunter and Spencer Weir-Daley afforded the Pilgrims comfortable progress into the semi-finals on August 7 against either Brigg Town or Gainsborough Trinity.

Davidson and Yates struck inside three minutes during the first half, while Hunter added his first goal for the Pilgrims after emerging as a second half substitute. Weir-Daley wrapped up the win with a driven penalty late on.

With Yates recalled to action, Shane Clancy made way from the starting line-up, with Jason Field again included on the bench.

Boston bossed possession from the outset and Shaun Pearson’s header was held by keeper Rob Murray following Ryan Semple’s corner.

Davidson and Weir-Daley then had efforts blocked by Grantham player-boss Wayne Hallcro, following Yates' cross. Weir-Daley could have put Boston in front when he met Yates’ centre. The former Nottingham Forest man mis-kicked though and the chance was lost.

The Pilgrims took the lead after 34 minutes when DAVIDSON powered home a towering header at the back post, after Yates’ deep cross from the right.

The goal of the game unfolded two minutes later when YATES broke down the right, cut inside and shimmyed past a defender before bending the ball left-footed into the far top corner.

Danny Davidson

There was a good chance for Grantham when Gio Carchedi crossed from the left and Ben Saunders headed over when he really should have scored.

United wasted a glorious chance when Davidson headed wide, unmarked, following Semple’s driven cross.

The Pilgrims remained in full control after the break, with Danny Sleath drilling over, while Pearson headed over from Yates’ corner. Murray then parried Yates’ stinging drive.

United should have gone further ahead moments later. James Cullingworth’s cross was headed goalwards by Weir-Daley and while Hunter tried to get out of the way, Billy Stubbs recovered on the line to hack the ball away.

Aaron Butcher was alert to grab Matt Glass’ header, but Boston soon extended their lead.

HUNTER smashed the ball in after seeing an initial effort blocked, following Anthony Church’s excellent assist, before WEIR-DALEY slammed home United’s fourth from the penalty spot after being felled by Chris Glarvey.

Shaun Pearson

Boston (4-4-2): Aaron Butcher; Lee Canoville, Kieran Murphy, Shaun Pearson, James Cullingworth (Jason Field 70); Ryan Semple (Miles Hunter 62), Anthony Church, Danny Sleath (Adam Millson 62), Jamie Yates; Danny Davidson, Spencer Weir-Daley. Subs (not used): Simon Ashton, Shane Clancy.

Grantham (3-5-2): Rob Murray; Chris Glarvey, Wayne Hallcro (Rhys Lewis 52), Billy Stubbs; Sam Pursicoe, Gio Carchedi (Danny Steadman 68), Ian Robinson, Elliott Atkin, Sam Saunders; Matt Glass, Ben Saunders (Danny Matson 68). Subs (not used): Danny Hargreaves, Kieron Davies.