Heroic Pilgrims secure famous win

Martyn Margarson

Report by Craig Singleton at Haig Avenue

PICS: Ken Fox

Goals from Kieran Leabon and Jon Rowan powered Boston United into the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup, courtesy of a fantastic 2-0 victory over Blue Square North table-toppers Southport.

Leabon opened the scoring for the Pilgrims in the 15th minute and Rowan wrapped up the victory after 57 minutes when he converted from the penalty spot.

It was a fully deserved victory for the visitors, who despite coming under pressure for long stages of the game, defended resolutely throughout and even when their defence was breached, goalkeeper Martyn Margarson was unbeatable.

Ahead of kick-off, Tom Matthews was back in the United starting line-up. Matthews replaced injured skipper David Farrell, with Wes Parker slotting in at left-back. Liam Green was also missing with injury.

United’s seven-man bench has a youthtful look to it, with three 18-year-olds and three 17-year-olds being joined by 22-year-old Liam Parker.

Boston kicked off, resplendent in their all-blue away strip, and pressed forward at every opportunity. Margarson made a comfortable save in the third minute, gathering Ciaran Kilheeney’s downward header, following Matty McGinn’s left-wing cross.

Margarson was tested again three minutes later, but Adam Flynn’s driven effort from 25 yards went straight at the Boston keeper.

Southport keeper Tony McMillan react well to come out and collect Matthews’ deep cross from the right, with Jon Froggatt lurking for any slips.

Leabon did well to skip clear down the right, but he wasted his hard work with a wayward cross which evaded everybody in the box.

The Pilgrims took the lead in the 15th minute, following a swift counter-attack from a Southport corner. Ryan Clarke broke at speed and picked out Leabon with a brilliant slide-rule pass, with the United striker running on to bend the ball into the far top corner from 18 yards.

Kieran Leabon

Margarson made a smart save at his near post seven minutes later, parrying Neil Robinson’s diving header, following Mark Duffy’s inviting cross.

Southport should have equalised when giant centre-back Earl Davis got up to direct Duffy’s cross goalwards, but his header flew too high from six yards.

Margarson made a terrific save in the 27th minute, pushing Duffy’s swerving drive over for a corner after Chris Lever’s crossfield pass.

Southport had to defend well to keep out Ollie Ryan’s inswinging corner, as Robinson nodded the ball off his own line.

The Pilgrims opened the second half in a determined mood and a neat move down the left involving Ryan and Leabon created a chance for Steve Melton, but he drilled well wide from 25 yards.

Margarson made an excellent save in the 55th minute, parrying substitute Tony Gray’s effort from 18 yards.

United increased their advantage two minutes later when Rowan stroked the ball home from the penalty spot, after Ryan had been bundled over by Flynn.

Margarson’s first real error of judgement went unpunished when he failed to collect a deep cross, but Robinson headed just over.

Froggatt almost added United’s third, but after rounding a stranded McMillan, could only turn and fire into the side-netting from a tight angle.

Southport’s Duffy let fly from distance in the 80th minute, but his shot deflected just wide from 20 yards.

The hosts continued to turn the screw in the final stages and Flynn’s excellent cross into the box was nodded just wide of the far post by Kilheeney.

Margarson made a cracking save in stoppage time to deny Steve Daly from close-range, after John Doolan’s cross had only been partially cleared.

Shortly afterwards, referee Davies blew the final whistle to start United’s jubilant celebrations.

Margarson at full stretch

Southport (4-4-2): Tony McMillan; Adam Flynn, Earl Davis (Shaun Gray 73), James Connolly, Chris Lever; Mark Duffy, John Doolan, Alan Moogan, Matty McGinn (Tony Gray 54); Neil Robinson (Steve Daly 68), Ciaran Kilheeney. Subs (not used): Kevin Lee, Robbie Booth, Michael Powell, Chris Price.

Boston (4-3-3): Martyn Margarson; Tom Matthews, Ryan Clarke, Matt Bloomer, Wes Parker; Steve Melton (Michael Wood 79), Stewart Talbot (Adam Millson 82), Jon Rowan; Kieran Leabon, Ollie Ryan (Liam Parker 90), Jon Froggatt. Subs (not used): Lee Beeson, Alex Beck, Mitchell Griffiths, Aaron Butcher (gk).