Marc Newsham scored an early brace to set Boston on their way with two poachers' goals before Mikel Suarez put Boston 3-0 up before the break.

As United took their foot off the gas, James Dean pulled a goal back for the visitors.

But subhstitute Danny Davidson soon put the game beyond reach for the home side.

His clever turn and shot allowed Spencer Weir-Daley a simple tap-in to make it 4-1, before Davidson nodded home a James Cullingworth free kick to grab the goal his second-half performance deserved.

Halifax fielded an under-strength team while Boston made a few changes, albeit including the return of captain Lee Canoville to the defence while Aaron Butcher replaced the ill Tom Evans in goal.

In stoppage time, a defensive mix-up between Butcher and Liam Parker saw the ball squirm between them both and into the net, but by then Boston's lead was insurmountable.

UNITED: Aaron Butcher; James Cullingworth, Lee Canoville, Liam Parker, Chris Wood; Marc Newsham, Anthony Church (Shane Clancy 68), Gareth Davies, Danny Sleath (Adam Millson 82); Mikel Suarez (Danny Davidson 46), Spencer Weir-Daley. Subs (not used): Simon Ashton, Shaun Pearson.

FC HALIFAX: Jonathan Hedge; Jason Carney (James Dean 49), Mark Hotte, James Riley, Danny Codman; Mark Peers, Danny Lowe, Scott Phelan, Luke Richardson; Nick Gray (Harry Winter 46), George Fry (Aaron Hardy 53). Sub (not used): Sanchez Heffernan.

Att: 559

Ref: Geoff Law