“Oh, I remember you,” said the lady behind the counter. We’d driven almost all the 120 miles of our mid-week trip to Boston, arrived at a chippy, and we were all waiting with bated breath for the next line…. Instead of the expected “you’re barred” it was more civil, “you’re the guy who single handedly almost destroyed my shop last year”, she recalled. She went on to point out the brand-new refrigeration system she had installed since Tesco Pete went berserk with an exploding can of Tizer that he’d picked out of the fridge on our last visit. She also mentioned the additional CCTV she’s had set up as part of the upgrade too. We didn’t ask too many questions, but it seems that Tesco Pete’s antics were a catalyst for a complete renovation.
It was like dining with royalty, we had proper plates, silver knives and folks before the biggest portions of fish and chips you’d ever seen were served. To make matters more dramatic, and I’m honestly not exaggerating, Tesco Pete was served two portions of battered cod, having only asked for one. He really was a celebrity in his own tea-time. To his credit, he did Yorkshire proud and finished every single scrap before we left. The same can’t be said for the Positive Shayman, who gave up halfway through, mind you’ he does live over the other side of the hill…
With a full price admission of £19.00 we elected for the usual cover terrace in Boston’s relatively new ground. For no extra cost we made use of the DIY seating by the corner flag, a stack of old school chairs that have perhaps seen better days, but a place to sit, none the less. Whilst Tesco Pete headed for the burger bar for a swift follow up, I kid you not, we dusted down our chairs and assisted Whirlwind Jim with his flag as he attached it on the low fence around the edge of the pitch.
With 95 travelling Shaymen in attendance, the teams came out as the sun set behind the main stand on the opposite side of the pitch. The Shaymen elected to turn the teams round at the toss and attack our end. The majority of the home fans were standing behind the far goal in a bright yellow setting with the word ‘Pilgrims’ painted in big letters behind them.
The team started the game in fine style, sharp accurate passing and going forward at will. We’d already forced a flurry of three corners before Town took the lead in the eighth minute. It was run down the wing followed by a low cross, neatly tapped over the keeper from about six yards out. There were great scenes in the away end as the team came over to celebrate the goal. Town continued to make chances for the rest of the half, making great use of a well-manicured pitch.
As darkness fell and the rain began to fall, Town almost doubled their lead early in the second half; only a fine combination save of keeper and defender kept Boston in it. From then on Boston had more of the ball, but with some robust defending Town ensured that Johnson had very little to do. It was an impressive team performance and earned a well-deserved three points.
At full time the team were given rousing applause, everyone had played their part in a comprehensive no-nonsense single goal victory. At no time did Town look likely to concede, it maintains an impressive two visits, two goals, two clean sheets and six points since Boston opened their new ground. We obviously can’t wait for the next visit.
Next up and it’s a Bank Holiday special with a relatively short trip to Scunthorpe, we won there last time out too. I’m sure they’ll be plenty more travelling Shaymen in the away end.
Miles on the road: 1122. Goals on the road: 3 Points on our travels 3
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