Ian Culverhouse proud of his Boston United squad after Pilgrims make 1 National League North play-off final.

Ian Culverhouse is proud of his Boston United squad after the Pilgrims make the National League North play-off final.

The gritty Pilgrims beat Scunthorpe United 5-4 on penalties after another hard-fought 0-0 draw.

Michael Bostwick, Zak Mills, Jacob Hazel, and Deji Sotona all scored from the spot and although ex-Pilgrim Ross Fitzsimons denied Keaton Ward, Jordan Richards stepped up to score – with Cameron Gregory’s tricks denying Ross Barrows and Liam McAlinden proved decisive.

“I’m proud of the group, it was an outstanding group,” he said. “I am extremely proud that I really am. A lot of foundations have been laid at the club this year and this club is in a really good position. “Whatever happens in a week, it’s about trying to keep this group together.

“If we can keep the team together and add some quality around the core group, we’re in a great position. “We put the group together at the start of the year and to see them progress and flourish as they have is excellent, I can’t speak highly enough of them. “The strength of these guys is fantastic. We went toe to toe with them, to the man we built.

“Both teams canceled each other out, it shows how tight this league is. The playoff final will be tight. It’s a one-off game that’s about good margins.” Culverhouse again opted to name an unchanged 16-man squad before kick-off. Along with Fitzsimons, fellow ex-Pilgrim Danny Elliott was on Železný’s bench.

ALSO READ:-Aaj Ka Panchang: आज ’28 अप्रैल’ 2024 का शुभ मुहूर्त, पढ़ें दिशाशूल, तिथि और शुभ कार्य

Scunthorpe started well, Will Evans heading past Jacob Butterfield from a free-kick, while Callum Roberts’ cross was cut out by Gregory, with the same player later hitting a free-kick into the United defense. The first real save of the game fell to Fitzsimons – denying Jimmy Knowles at an angle.

Scunthorpe wanted a penalty for Richards tangling with Alfie Beestin, but referee Zac Kennard-Kettle remained unmoved five minutes after the break.

Dylan Hill headed an effort over the bar after Jai Rowe’s cut-back before Brad Nicholson took center stage at the other end and produced a stunning block to deny Danny Whitehall a near-certain goal.

Richards saw Barrows’ effort blocked on the line while Fitzsimons turned in Knowles’ low drive as United tasted a famous away win.

Gregory saved the game in the 72nd minute when he turned Roberts’ left-footed shot wide of the post, while Nicholson produced another stunning piece of defending to keep Roberts out on the end of Whitehall’s selfless assist.

Extra time featured plenty of yellow cards and substitutions – but otherwise nothing too remarkable.

Michael Clunan and Elliott got Scunthorpe’s spot-kick off to a positive start before Gregory was saved by Barrows. Whitehall and substitute Dion Sembie-Ferris subsequently kept the Iron alive, but Gregory’s low save that thwarted McAlinden after Richards had netted sealed the deal for the Pilgrims.

ALSO READ:-Salman Khan” shooting sparks massive manhunt as lookout circular issued for 1 brother!!!