Bradford Park Avenue 1 Boston United 2

THERE was disappointment for Avenue this evening as National North promotion-chasers Boston United departed the Horsfall Stadium with three points.

It was the worst possible start for Martin Drury's men when the visitors roared into a first-minute lead – Jay Rollins engineering space on the edge of the box and firing a shot in off the crossbar.

Former Grimsby Town striker Dayle Southwell served warning of his attacking threat in the 25th minute when he fired against the home post.

But that warning wasn't heeded, and it was Southwell who doubled the Pilgrims' advantage five minutes after the break when the frontman finished neatly following good work by Rollins.

Avenue needed a spark, and it came on the hour when Craig King reduced the deficit after Callum Chippendale's initial effort was cleared off the line.

Chippendale was then twice denied by Boston keeper Fabian Spiess as the home side went in search of an equaliser.

Chib Chilaka couldn't quite divert home Darren Thornton's shot as the hosts ramped up the pressure in the closing stages.

However, there was to be no comeback as United netted a precious victory, and Avenue remained just five points clear of the drop-zone.