Boston Preview

By: Richard Hubbert
Date: 09/08/2004

TOWN fans get their first chance to see Russell Slade’s new look Town side in league action tonight when they face local rivals Boston United for the first time in the club’s history.

Despite the loss to Darlington on Saturday, there is definitely an upbeat mood around Blundell Park. By all accounts, Town should have at least got a draw at Darlington where they produced an assured display - creating plenty of chances in Slade’s 3-4-3 system. The fans will expect more of the same come Tuesday night when a crowd of around 5,000 is expected. But the game is not only Town’s first home match of the season and the first meeting between the two Lincolnshire sides - it is also a game that marks the return of "Harry Haddock" on the terraces, which became so famous in Town’s 1988 FA Cup run under Alan Buckley.

The Opposition

Overview Boston are in their third season in the football league after their promotion a few seasons ago. They also have the man that got them into the football league back in the managerial hotseat. Steve Evans (left) was banned for 20 months in January 2003 for financial irregularities, but is now back at York Street where he previously enjoyed so much success. Indeed, the signs are that that success is about to continue. When Evans took over in March, he led Boston to eight wins from 16 games, seeing them finish a creditable 11th in the division when they had previously been in the bottom half for much of the season. And their 1-0 win over promotion favourites Oxford on Saturday suggests that Boston could be in for a good season. Their Squad In attack for Boston is ex Town loanee Jason Lee (left) who impressed in their victory over Oxford on Saturday. Lee brings a wealth of league experience after spells with Lincoln, Nottingham Forest, Chesterfield, Peterborough and Watford. His partner is also equally experienced. Ex-Iron striker Martin Carruthers joined the club this summer after his release from Macclesfield and had a particularly impressive pre-season, scoring a hat trick against Newcastle in a 4-0 win for the Pilgrims. Former Stockport and Wolves midfielder Tom Bennet is the club’s captain and midfield general who will be partnered in midfield by former Arsenal youngster David Noble. However, the man of the moment for Boston is surely Paul Gascoigne and his decision to join the small Lincolnshire club as player/coach. The England legend won’t be fit for the game but will be on the bench with the Boston coaching squad. He has been suffering from stomach cramps and looks set to miss the start of the season. Key Player Lee Thompson (left) could be crucial for the Pilgrims. The ex-Sheffield United midfielder-cum-striker scored from the bench on Saturday and popped up with a few goals at the end of last season when Evans returned to the club. Enthusiastic and nippy player who will be hoping to cement a regular place in the side this season.

Head to Head

This is the first meeting in the football league between the two clubs, so therefore there is no head to head record or last meeting!

Connections

In their short spell in the football league - there have been a few ex-Town players turn out for Boston. Ben Chapman (left) was the Boston captain for part of last season and made 70 appearances for the club in two seasons at York Street. He had a brief trial with the Mariners this pre-season but did not earn a contract, and is currently without a club. Similarly, Steve Croudson is without a club and returned to BP this summer after being with Boston last season without making an appearance for the club.

Team News

Town Boston Russell Slade has drafted in experienced left back Dean Gordon to cover for Ronnie Bull, who has a thigh injury. In the absence of anyone else who can play at left wing back, Gordon will got straight into the starting eleven. Elsewhere, Town are likely to be unchanged unless Slade manages to land the elusive striker he has been searching for. Michael Reddy came through Saturday unscathed, but is unlikely to start as he is still short of match fitness. Tony Crane is still suspended and injured, while Graham Hockless is still struggling with a back strain. As mentioned above, Paul Gascoigne will not feature for Boston, but will be on the bench strictly in his coaching capacity. "Gazza" has been complaining of stomach cramps. Summer signing Andy Kirk is still a while off fitness and Paul Ellender serves the second game of a three match ban. Meanwhile Danny Thomas - who made a big impression after signing from Bournemouth at the end of last season - could make the bench.

Probable Teams

Town Boston 1 Anthony Williams 18 Rob Jones 4 Simon Ramsden 6 Justin Whittle 8 Jason Crowe 17 Thomas Pinault 15 Terry Fleming TBA Dean Gordon 7 Ashley Sestanovich 19 Darren Mansaram 10 Andy Parkinson 21 Nathan Abbey 2 Lee Beevers 3 Greg Strong 5 Mark Greaves 14 Austin McCann 6 Steve Melton 7 Tom Bennett 22 Gareth Jelleyman 8 David Noble 9 Jason Lee 18 Martin Carruthers

Subs

Town Boston 2 John McDermott 11 Stacy Coldicott 23 Clint Marcelle 9 Michael Reddy 3 Greg Young 1 Paul Bastock 11 Chris Holland 16 Danny Thomas 15 Lee Thompson 23 Courtney Pitt

Prediction

Fishy prediction: A decent home performance is needed to give Town fans some hope for the coming season after the doom and gloom of the last two. The Fishy predicts a draw - but it will not be easy. Boston have assembled a decent squad and under fiery Scot Steve Evans they could find themselves in the top seven come the end of the season. 2-2 draw. Reader's POMs

Directions

Click on the link for directions to Blundell Park (left).

Admission Prices

Click on the link for ticket prices to Blundell Park.

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