CORBY TOWN 1-2 BOSTON UNITED

Corby’s poor form at Steel Park continued on Saturday, as Ben Fairclough scored a stoppage-time winner for visitors Boston United in the Blue Square Bet North.

The goal condemned Drury’s outfit to a fifth successive home defeat despite leading at the break through Delroy Gordon’s opener in the 38th minute. Midfielder Ian Ross pegged the home side back with an inspired free-kick shortly after the restart before Fairclough broke Steelfans hearts when he bundled the ball over the line deep into injury time.

Graham Drury’s outfit will be devastated at conceding such a late goal, but on the balance of play, it was no more then the visitors deserved.

The Pilgrims dominated the opening half an hour at Steel Park, forcing eight corners. But they found the Steelmen defence to be steadfast, as Corby’s defenders did well to protect the onslaught towards their goal.

Despite their initial dominance the away side could only muster one real effort of note, Danny Sleath’s drilled shot forcing a finger-tip save from Chris Mackenzie to keep the scores level.

Boston were also responsible for Corby’s first attempt at goal, Captain Gareth Jelleyman almost nodding the ball past his own ‘keeper after Mark Jones’ dipping cross.

James Ozmen then provided Jordan Smith with the perfect opportunity to grab the opener, but the striker could only fire well wide after the midfielder’s rolled pass found him unmarked ten yards out.

Ironically, it was Corby’s first corner that proved to be the away side’s undoing. Defender Paul Malone’s initial header was blocked by Pilgrims goalkeeper Paul Bastock, but the ball fell to Gordon who prodded home for the opening goal.

Boston almost hit back with the perfect response but Ian Ross found Chris Mackenzie equal to his long-range effort on the stroke of half-time.

The Steelmen stopper could do nothing about the Boston equaliser however, with Ross’ perfectly executed free-kick curling around the wall and into the top left-hand corner.

Galvanised by their goal, the away side stepped up the pressure as they went in search of a second. Ben Fairclough found the goal at his mercy in the 62^nd minute but Paul Mayo did superbly well to block the striker’s dink at goal.

Corby thought they should have had a penalty shortly afterwards when Jones went to ground after tangling with Tom Ward, but referee Guy Stretton waved away the Steelmen protests.

Graham Drury’s men then had the upright to thank in the 77^th minute, with Marc Newsham’s attempted lob cannoning back off the crossbar.

Leon Constantine then forced Mackenzie into the ‘keepers third impressive save of the afternoon, whilst Jordan Smith found Bastock equally unwavering as both sides pressed for a winner.

Unfortunately for Corby the Pilgrims picked the 93^rd minute to finally successfully execute a corner, Fairclough bundling the ball over the line to snatch it at the death for Boston.

Corby: Mackenzie; Gordon, Gulliver, Malone, Mayo; Hall (sub McDonald, 88 mins), Ozmen (sub Farden, 71 mins), Towers, Smith; M Jones, Mullarkey (sub Bexfield, 76 mins). Subs not used: R Jones, Walton.

Boston: Bastock; Marshall, Ward, Canoville, Jelleyman; Sleath, Ross, Milnes (sub Hall, 90 mins); Fairclough, Weir-Daley, Newsham (sub Constantine, 78 mins). Subs not used: Stainfield, Edwards, Austin.

Referee: Guy Stretton.

Goals: Gordon (38 mins, 1-0), Ross (53 mins, 1-1), Fairclough, 90 mins, 1-2).

Attendance: 552