York Street Skrill North Thursday December 26th 2013
Boston United’s winless run in December continued as they were held to a goalless draw at home to struggling Histon- their first 0-0 for almost 2 years.
In front of a season’s best crowd of 1,361, the Pilgrims’ winless run was extended to 4 games in the league in a display devoid of creativity going forward against a Histon team both struggling for recent form and towards the blunt end of the table.
Dennis Greene made 2 changes to the side that drew 3-3 at Stalybridge and adopted a 4-3-3- formation. Stefan Galinski made way for Ben Milnes and the injured Ricky Miller was replaced by Ben Fairclough.
After a tight opening first 15 minutes, Boston had their first threatening effort on goal as Milnes hit the angle of post and bar from just outside the box with a right foot curler, with Marc Newsham forcing the visitors’ keeper Calum Kitscha to tip a low drive round his left hand post.
Histon had their moments on the counter attack, but it was Newsham who was left disappointed after half an hour when he headed home unmarked- however the referee deemed Netan Sansara to have committed a foul in the build-up. The visitors then came close to breaking the deadlock right on half time when a powerful shot by Lewis Taaffe has beaten away by Lewis King.
The 2nd half was a little better, as both sides showed an intent to try and go for the 3 points., even though real chances were few and far between. The Stutes hit the woodwork themselves through Peter Grant’s header from a long throw-in which was allowed to go all the way to the far side of the 6-yard box.
At the other end, Jake Hall had a well timed volley well held by Kitscha and despite Boston forcing much of the play, they didn’t create any clear openings.
In the 91st minute, Rene Steer was sent off for a cynical foul on Taaffe as he threatened to race clear, but it was the home side who should have won it right at the death. Ian Ross’ low drive was only parried by Kitscha but sub Charley Sanders’ first time shot was way over when he should’ve took a touch to compose himself.
The 2 dropped points leaves Boston 7th- 2 points off the playoffs and 6 off the leaders. Histon stay 16th- 7 points clear of the drop zone. Telford away has probably become a ‘need to win’ sort of game on Saturday though and going through December winless in all competitions would not bode well to keeping the good support in the new year
UNITED: King, Marrs, Steer, Marshall (Hall 75), Garner, Piergianni, Ross, Milnes (Galinski 88), Fairclough, Newsham, Sansara (Sanders 65); Subs (not used): Aujla, Sanders, Vince.
HISTON: Kitscha, Mills, October, Clerima, Grant, Roberts (Hicks 85), Taaffe, Dowie, Sheppard (Phillips 85), Clunan, Day (Hoban 85); Subs (not used): Beckles, McLaughlin.
Ref: Wayne Porter.
Att: 1, 361 (42 away fans)
Thanks for reading
Josh
Under The Floodlights 