PILGRIMS’ PERFECT DAY SEALED BY CAM
BOSTON United won their second penalty shoot-out in four days as they overhauled second-placed Scunthorpe United to earn their place in the National League North play-off final.
Goalkeeper Cameron Gregory was the Pilgrims’ hero as he saved two of the Iron’s six penalties, denying Ross Barrows and then ending the tie with a save from Liam McAlinden. Opposite number Ross Fitzsimons also played his part, extending the shoot-out into sudden death after denying Keaton Ward.
In front of a National League North record attendance of 8,036, the Attis Arena was packed to the rafters for the encounter which was a stalemate throughout.
Having been goalless and gone the distance on Tuesday against Alfreton Town, the Pilgrims could have been forgiven for being a little leggy, but the two sides went toe-to-toe throughout in an encounter that could have been edged by either side.
Fitzsimons had to be at his best to deny Jordan Richards in the second half from close range in one of Boston’s best efforts, while his opposite number Gregory superbly denied Callum Roberts with one of Scunthorpe’s best efforts of the game.
With extra-time moved into, the heavy legs of Boston – who were now in their second period of additional time in a week – began to show, as the Iron exploited open spaces, but were unable to make the breakthrough as the tie moved to penalties.
The first two sets of spot-kicks were successfully and emphatically converted before Gregory saved from Barrows to his right. When the tie looked over Fitzsimons made his save, again to the right, while former Wrexham man McAlinden opted to put his shot in the same direction, with the same result.
Scunthorpe were strong pre-season favourites to secure an immediate return to the National League following a summer of impressive recruitment.
Manager Jimmy Dean was visibly devastated afterwards, commenting: “It’s really tough to take. I’ve been out there with the fans, and I feel their pain, and with the players. It’s tough in there after that. Neither team really deserved to lose the game, but someone had to.
“I thought there was a lot of tension in the game, to be expected. It was a little bit nervy. It was back and forth. Boston deserve a lot of credit, and the fans deserve a lot of credit. The non-penalty on Alfie (Beestin) was a pivotal moment I thought. It’s very raw.”
In stark contrast, Boston boss Ian Culverhouse couldn’t hide his delight after their win against all odds, adding: “I’m proud for the group, and they’ve been outstanding.
“There have been a lot of foundations put in for this. The strength of these boys is fantastic and, to a man, we stood up.
“We have practised penalties all the way through. They do it themselves after training, and today they stepped up again to get us through. I’m immensely proud.”