Jarrett set to miss Rovers showdown

Albert Jarrett

Albert Jarrett is set to miss Boston United’s Coca-Cola League Two encounter against Bristol Rovers on Saturday, having failed to recover from an ankle injury sustained at MK Dons last week.

Jarrett isn’t expected to be United’s only absentee though, with Richie Ryan (knee) likely to join him on the sidelines, in addition to midfielders Simon Rusk (knee) and Stephen Vaughan (ankle), who are ruled out for the season.

With four players ruled out, the Pilgrims are set to go into the fixture with just 16 players available for selection and Boston boss Steve Evans admitted that his side will face a tough examination against the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy finalists.

Evans told bufc.co.uk: “Our recent performances have been good, but I’ve emphasised to the players this week that it’s time to start winning games now. Ten games gives us the opportunity to collect 30 points and we are targeting as many as possible.

“Our destiny remains in our own hands and we are confident that we can pull through, but we need to deliver results quickly for this to happen.

“Bristol Rovers have done well in recent weeks and having seen them at first hand, they impressed me considerably. Paul Trollope has got them playing well and reaching the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final is no mean feat.

“I congratulate Paul on that achievement, but I desperately hope we can take three points off his side on Saturday.”

United’s defeat at MK Dons last week put the Pilgrims on the brink on an unwanted club record in the Football League. If United fail to beat Rovers on Saturday, their winless run will stretch to 10 games, so Boston will understandably be keen to end their long search for a victory.

Rovers have visited the Staffsmart Stadium on four previous occasions and Boston are still unbeaten, having won twice and drawn twice. Last time out in October 2005, goals from Lawrie Dudfield, Ian Ross and Julian Joachim gave the Pilgrims a 3-1 win.

Match referee at the Staffsmart Stadium is Colin Webster and kick-off is 3.00pm.