Dramatic defeat leaves Retford in fourth place

Retford United dropped another place to fourth after defeat at home to Boston United.

In a stop-start game, made difficult to watch with referee David Storrie not allowing the game to flow, Retford went close in the early stages. Darryl Thomas collected a quick throw, but his cross into the box couldn't find the run of Neil Harvey and was cleared.

Harvey did well to control the ball, before turning to shoot at the target, but could only find Tom Evans in the Boston goal.

Paul Ellender, a former Boston player, saw his header go over the bar as he met a free-kick from the Retford right.

Boston looked dangerous when a good ball into the Retford area found Marc Newsham in a good position, but he didn't react quickly enough.

Retford kept looking for the opening goal and Thomas cut inside to cross, but the ball floated out of play.

Michael Simpkins did well to stop a Boston attack, then a very strong run by Danny Davidson saw the Boston striker bustle his was forward. Three Retford players unable to dispossess him before winning a free-kick on the Boston right. The ball was played into the area and Shaun Pearson headed over.

Boston eventually scored the opening goal of the night, headed into the top corner by Danny Sleath with the large travelling contingent celebrating on the half hour.

Retford won a free-kick just inside the Boston half. The ball was looped in by Chris Bettney, only for Evans to rise and save.

The Badgers levelled the scoreline on 41 minutes. After Thomas was tripped just outside the area, Chris Bettney struck home the free-kick.

The visitors went close early in the second half, the ball being pinged around the area, before seemingly being hit over the line, but the referee blew for a free-kick after a foul on James Lindley. Despite the subsequent protests moments later, for another foul on the Retford keeper, Boston scored what would prove to be the winner when Shaun Pearson headed his side into the lead.

From then, Retford pushed hard to find an opening and were very unlucky when Colin Marrison ran into the box, Harvey's shot was blocked, then somehow the Boston goal led a charmed life when Darryl Thomas's effort was somehow hooked off the line.

Marrison almost found the equaliser when his shot curled wide, then Boston made a break with James Cullingworth given space to run on the right, he got past Lee Thompson, but Simpkins was on hand to clear.

Substitute Matt Cauldwell looked to have his shot deflected for a corner, but the referee inexplicably gave a goal-kick. Cauldwell was also unlucky when his dipping shot flashed just wide of the upright.