Boston United continued their impressive resurgence with a commanding 3-0 win over Southend United, ending the visitors’ nine-game unbeaten run and breathing further life into their hopes of National League survival.
Second-half goals from Frankie Maguire, Jimmy Knowles and Zak Mills were enough to seal the three points for the Pilgrims, who were clinical after the break following a goalless first half at the Jakemans Community Stadium.
Clinical second half punishes profligate Shrimpers
Despite being under pressure early on, Boston weathered a spirited start from Southend. The Shrimpers created a handful of chances, with Noor Husin and Boston-born Tom Hopper both going close, while Nick Hayes denied Jimmy Knowles at the other end after a dangerous corner from Cameron Green.
The hosts had a scare when Jacob Hazel fired wide after capitalising on a slip from Harry Taylor, but it was a warning they would grow into the game.
Southend continued to ask questions. Keenan Appiah-Forson forced Cameron Gregory into a low save, and the Boston keeper again denied Husin as the visitors edged the better of the first-half chances.
Second Half
However, the breakthrough came just five minutes into the second period — and it went the way of the hosts. Maguire picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and struck a low shot that wrong-footed Hayes to give Boston the lead.
That goal shifted the momentum firmly in the Pilgrims’ favour, and they doubled their advantage midway through the half. A quick counterattack saw Knowles receive the ball out wide, cut inside, and curl a brilliant effort beyond Hayes.
Southend pushed for a route back into the contest. Bonne and Hopper both had headed efforts, while Parillon’s curling effort from the corner flag was only denied by a brave block on the line. Substitute Josh Walker did find the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Boston made sure of the points with five minutes to go. A scrappy goalmouth exchange ended with Mills stabbing the ball home to complete a memorable win and a valuable clean sheet.
Writer’s view
Boston’s revival is gathering serious momentum, and with three goals, a clean sheet, and another step away from danger, belief is growing around the Jakemans Community Stadium.
Whichever way you look at it, this is starting to feel like a great escape in the making. A month ago they were 12 points from safety – now they’re level with Dagenham and have a game in hand.
