Premier Division

Skegness United  1    Boston United Reserves  0

United were looking for victory in their final home match in what had been a successful season by winning the title in only their second season since being formed.

The first action from both sides came after 8 minutes when Michael Howard broke free, however he was squeezed out before getting in a shot. After a Boston corner was cleared the ball was played back in and Michael Stones was just over with a header. The home side took the lead on 13 minutes when after a cross was cleared by the visitor’s defence the ball fell to Ryan O’Loughlin on the edge of the area, and his shot hit the cross bar. However, referee Lamb indicated there had been a foul on O’Loughlin, and from the resulting free kick placed his shot into the corner pass keeper Sam Vince. On 30 minutes O’Loughlin cut inside his man and placed a shot just wide of the post, and then following a United corner Mark Hallam was just over after the ball had been cleared. Half time came with no more efforts on goal from either side, however United been the more positive side in attack, and deserved their half time lead.

Within two minutes of the second half starting the home side could have increased their lead when O’Loughlin broke down the right, and when his cross came the defender just got in front of Howard to put the ball out for a corner. Then Rayner-Mistry had a shot over the bar following a free kick. Boston’s first shot on target of the second half came on 60 minutes when Ben Martin saved low down from a Stones shot. United replied when Rayner-Mistry sent in a cross which Howard fired wide. At this stage Boston were having their best spell of the match. With the advantage of the wind they were playing long balls down the middle to put the home defence under pressure. At times they played the ball too long, however they did win a number of corners which were dangerous due the wind and the home defence had to be alert to clear. Skegness then went back on the attack, and Howard had a snap shot gathered by Vince, and then O’Loughlin beat two players and laid the ball to Rayner-Mistry who was well wide of the target with his shot. With 7 minutes to go the visitors had a free kick which bounced around the six yard box before hitting the post and being cleared. The game ended with Boston having more of the play, however they could not create another chance.

When the final whistle brew the league trophy was presented by Sills and Betteridge the league sponsors to Arron Scutt the Skegness acting captain.

Team: Ben Martin, Arron Scutt, Ross Muirhead, Michael Twigg, Jamie Skinner, Adam Broom, Mark Hallam ( Jordan Smith ), Kyle McGuigan, Michael Howard ( Adam Dales ), Ryan O’Loughlin ( Josh Clarke ) and Luke Rayner-Mistry.

Unused Subs: Jobe Stainton and Sam Sleight.

Man of Match:  Adam Broom