CRAIG AIMS TO WEAVE CUP MAGIC
CRAIG ELLIOTT is the master of creating lasting FA Cup memories it seems – now he’s hoping to pull out another rabbit from the hat for Boston United.
Elliott earned his place in history by leading minnows Shaw Lane to a first round showdown against Mansfield Town in 2017 – just seven months before the club went out of business.
Now he’s aiming to steer the Pilgrims on a similar journey and give the long-suffering Boston fans something to cheer before the club’s famous York Street home becomes a thing of the past.
Elliott was hoping to end years of hurt for Pilgrims’ fans and conjure up one final FA Cup memory at the Jakeman’s Stadium before the club moves to its new stadium on the outskirts of the town next summer.
Sadly, though, the balls in the hat have not been too kind for the Pilgrims who have agonisingly forced to play all four of their FA Cup ties away from home so far this term.
Still, Elliott’s side have managed to find a way through but today they face their toughest trip yet, to take on a Rochdale side who narrowly edged out National League side Wrexham after a replay last time out.
Elliott is under no illusions as to the task that awaits but with up to 1,500 visiting fans expected to make the trip to Spotland to cheer on the Pilgrims, Elliott knows, more than most, that anything is possible.
“There will be cup upset somewhere this weekend, we’ve just got to put ourselves in a position where it could be us,” he told The NLP. “When I came to the club the first thing that was pointed out to me was that this club have had a poor FA Cup record over the last 20 years or so. It’s nice to repay with a decent run this year but we don’t want it to end here.
“What’s disappointing is the run of away games we’ve had when the fans were craving one more big moment before the move into the new stadium.
“It’s not over yet, though. It’s a big jump, of course, Rochdale are an established League One side, but they have lost their last five games and their home record isn’t great so we have a chance.
“I’m told there will be up to 1,500 Boston fans making the trip – that’s fantastic, we just want to do them proud, as well as ourselves.”
Irrespective of the result this afternoon, Elliott has already won the hearts of those travelling fans who are enjoying exciting times right now.
For the first time in several years, the Pilgrims appear to be mounting a genuine promotion challenge in National League North and they will move into their new £12 million Community Stadium at the end of the season with at least £80,000 in FA Cup prize money already bagged. “It’s a great time to be a fan of Boston United,” Elliott added.
“We’re pushing for the play-offs in the league, having a good run in the cup and the new stadium is looking fantastic. These are exciting times.”