Boston kept their survival hopes alive with a 1-0 home victory over Chester – thanks to 18-year-old defender Jamie Stevens’ crucial winner late in the second half.
Stevens’ close-range header was enough to seal victory over 10-man City, who have now won only one of the last 12 games.
After a tame opening, Boston missed a golden chance to take the lead when Jamie Clarke saw an 18th-minute penalty pushed away by John Danby after Kevin Sandwith had handled on the line to keep out a Paul Ellender header – an offence that led to the City defender’s dismissal.
Apart from that moment, the first half developed into a tame stalemate with only early off-target shots by Clarke and Francis Green for Boston threatening to break the deadlock – while at the other end little was seen of the Chester attack.
However, Boston grabbed the lead after 83 minutes when Stevens rose at the near post to glance home a header from four yards from a David Galbraith corner.
Boston almost doubled their lead two minutes later when, after a blocked effort by Green, the ball broke for Brad Maylett to shoot over from the edge of the box.
Player Ratings
John Danby 7
Now looking like a player that deserves a new contract. Danby’s form in recent months has been excellent. Could do little to prevent Boston’s goal.
Paul Linwood 6
Linwood looks rusty as he has not played as many games this season as he would have liked. Talent is there though.
Kevin Sandwith 4
Was sent off in the 18th minute for handling the ball inside the box which denied Boston a clear goal.
James Vaughan 6
Not his best game since forcing his way into the team but to be fair, the whole team performance was pitiful.
Sean Hessey 6
Was a doubt before the game due to injury and looked out of touch. Had one piledriver that just failed to trouble the Boston keeper.
Dave Artell 7
Artell is a contender for player of the season. Not bad considering it looked like he would not be in Wright’s plans before the campaign began.
Paul Rutherford 6
Not nearly as efficient as recent week’s but Rutherford does look like he will useful to the Blues next season.
Dean Bennett 6
One of the players who looks like he is already thinking about his summer holiday.
Chris Holroyd 5
The City strikers did not get any decent service and as such had a very quiet game.
Simon Yeo 5
A similar story to that of Chris Holroyd’s. Lack of service to the front men restricted them massivly.
Jamie Hand 5
The worst player on the pitch for City. Promised so much on his arrival but has failed to deliver. Passing ability is questionnable.
Laurence Wilson 5
A half time substitute that failed to make any real impact on the game. Doesn’t look fit. Replaced Chris Holroyd.
Shaun Kelly 5
A second substitute appearence for the young centre-back. He replaced James Vaughan in the 66th minute
Introduced in the 79th minute as a replacement for Paul Rutherford. City fans will be expecting him to stay fit now and push-on next season.
Manager Rating
Like I’ve already said, time to go Mark.
Opponent Rating
Never been a fan of Evans (or Boston for that matter). I would be quite pleased to see him and his Boston side back in the Conference next season.
Sorry Wrexham
A lot of City fans were probably quite pleased with this result as it does no favours for Wrexham’s relegation escape efforts at all.
