Boston Town 2 Holbeach United 1
Chris Shipley’s dramatic injury-time winner ended Holbeach United hopes of a treble as Boston Town beat them 2-1 on Tuesday night to book a place in the Lincs FA Senior Trophy final.
Holbeach, who have completed a Uhlsport UCL Premier Division double over Town this season, trailed 1-0 at the break thanks to a stunning free-kick from former favourite Lee Beeson.
But Michael Frew’s leveller midway through the second period looked to be sending the clash at the DWB Stadium to penalties.
That was before Shipley, formerly of the Tigers and Pinchbeck United, rose to head home a Beeson delivery in the first minute of added time.
Danny Hussey’s Holbeach had been looking to secure a spot their second final of the season, having already booked their place in the KitmanUK Knockout Cup showpiece.
But the boss admitted that Boston deserved the win on the night – even suggesting that the pressure got to some of his players.
“I’m a bit gutted,” said Hussey. “But overall we didn’t do enough and Boston deserved to win.
“To be honest, I thought we looked quite scared in the first half. I think maybe the pressure got to a few of the lads.
“We pegged them back in the second half, but in the end two set pieces cost us dear and Boston got their win, which was deserved.
“I’d like to wish them well in the final. We’ve played Boston three times this season and have deservedly won the other two, so that’s a good return.
“Would I have rather won this semi-final over the two league games? Probably not, as we’d not be in the mix at the top end if we hadn’t.
“We’ve also got another final to look forward to, so I won’t be too down.
“We’re still on-target to have a great season and to improve on last year, which has always been the aim.
“I’m disappointed, but I won’t be getting too down about this defeat.”
Beeson’s opener was the pick of the goals as he curled home a free-kick from 25-yards out.
Holbeach’s leveller saw Frew take advantage of hesitant defending to round Travis Portas and score.
But the Poachers had the last laugh when Beeson’s corner was nodded home by the ever-reliable Shipley.
Tigers: Drury, Wilson (Withers 70), T Smith, N Jackson, Fairweather, A Jackson, Setchell, Tinkler, Frew, Lockie, Bird. Not used: Oliver, Ford, Nicholson, Coote.
