Spennymoor Town goalkeeper Brad James performed heroics - including two second half penalty saves - as Boston United slipped to defeat on Saturday afternoon.

James denied Martin Woods and Deji Sotona from 12 yards, after the Moors had raced into a two-goal lead either side of half-time through Corey McKeown and ex-Pilgrim Ben Pollock. 

Jai Rowe did reduce the arrears in stoppage time, but United were left to rue missed chances for the likes of Adam Marriott, Jimmy Knowles, Sam Smart and Brad Nicholson on an extraordinary afternoon at the Jakemans Community Stadium. 

The Pilgrims' profligacy in front of goal was laid bare in the fourth minute when Marriott steered off target and wide following Rowe's inviting cross from the right.

Moors took a 12th minute lead when McKEOWN worked a yard of space to bend a fine, dipping finish beyond the despairing dive of Cameron Gregory from 25 yards. 

Smart motored clear in response, but crashed an effort into the side-netting.

The Pilgrims started the second half brightly, with Knowles striking the post and then Woods seeing his follow-up brilliantly blocked by Pollock. Woods subsequently delivered a free-kick from the left flank and Nicholson fired a gilt-edged chance over the bar from six yards. 

Spennymoor ultimately made the points safe nine minutes into the half when Danny Greenfield delivered a corner, which United failed to deal with, and POLLOCK slammed home the loose ball. 

United were awarded their first spot-kick when John Lufudu bundled over Knowles at the back post and James brilliantly denied Woods, before thwarting Smart and Sotona on the follow-up.

Pollock was later penalised for handball, with Sotona stepping up from 12 yards - only to be denied by James. His follow-up hit the back of the net, but was harshly ruled out after referee Darius Bradley deemed the keeper had control of the loose ball. 

James made an excellent save to deny Kelsey Mooney, before finally being beaten in the third minute of additional time when ROWE powerfully headed home following Ethan Sephton's cross from the left. 

Boston (4-4-2): Cameron Gregory; Jai Rowe, Michael Bostwick, Brad Nicholson, Ethan Septhon; Sam Smart (Keziah Martin 73), Jordan Richards, Martin Woods, Deji Sotona (Michael Gyasi 78); Adam Marriott (Kelsey Mooney 59), Jimmy Knowles. Subs (not used): Keaton Ward, Dylan Hill.

Spennymoor (4-2-3-1): Brad James; John Lufudu, Lebrun Mbeka, Ben Pollock, Dan Myers; Matt Dolan (Sam Fielding 81), Isaac Fletcher (Finley Shrimpton 74); Danny Greenfield, Rob Ramshaw, Corey McKeown; Will Harris (David Moyo 78). Subs (not used): Donald Chimalilo, Michael Ledger.

Referee: Darius Bradley.

Attendance: 1,570 (42 visitors).

Members and Supporters enjoyed a match day with a difference on Saturday as we first hosted Blyth Spartans supporters at the WMC.

Blyth arrived in such high numbers that we relocated into the concert hall to enjoy complementary cheese burgers 🍔 and chips along with the usual £2:50 on Draft Beers. We planned a race day which was supported generously by both sets of supporters before heading on to the game which saw the Moors secure a comfortable and valuable 3 points.

We weren’t finished there as that same evening we welcomed Kelly McWaters to sing for us. Kelly is the Granddaughter and Niece of Supporters Club Members and lifetime fans Laurie and Shaun McWaters. The evening was very well attended and enjoyed by everyone. Both the race day and evening entertainment were compèred by Dave “DD”’Doherty.

On behalf of the Executive Committee we thank Colin Hall for his successful planning of the day, Kelly & Dave for their entertainment, the Blyth supporters along with our own supporters and loyal members. 👏👏👏

We waved our final farewell to Supporters Club Legend and Dear friend Freddy Hughes on Tuesday 16th January with our heartfelt condolences going to Freds Famliy.

On behalf of the Supporters Club we would like to thank all in attendance, alongside friends and family we offer special gratitude to Football Club President Trevor Beaumont, Former Manager Jason Ainsley plus players Rob Ramshaw & Mark Anderson who joined us for the service.

Supporters Club members lined the entrance in a guard of honour donning Black & White stripes whilst respectfully applauding as Fred’s coffin entered St Paul’s Church, Spennymoor.

Fred along with his late partner Connie Wailes were Spennymoor Town FC through and through and wanted nothing more than to see the football club and supporters club thrive.

We ask that everyone connected with Spennymoor Town Football Club find a way to unite to ensure their memory and significant contribution remain synonymous at the heartbeat of this Football Club