Boston United look to close gap on ‘massive rival’ AFC Fylde

Boston United have the chance to close the gap on AFC Fylde today, a side Craig Elliott expects to be a ‘massive rival’ this season.

The Pilgrims will take to the Mill Farm turf today for the first time since their 9-2 defeat, still the highest scoring game in the National League North, four years ago.

Fylde - who sit joint top of the table with Gloucester City - lead Boston by six points, but the Pilgrims have two games in hand.

Elliott wants a positive reaction from his side following Tuesday’s abandoned clash at Darlington, where United were leading 2-0 in the 87th minute before an injury to Nicky Hunt.

“Fylde are full time and doing well, they'll be a massive rival for us this year,” he said.

“I looked at this week as a seven day period of knowing we've got a lot of tests.

“We were fantastic Tuesday but it’ll be a big test for us on Saturday.”

Jay Rollins, who could be in line for his first appearance of the season as he returns from a broken toe, scored both of United’s goals in that 9-2 defeat on November 19, 2016.

He is the only member of the squad and managerial staff from that who remains at the club.

The Pilgrims and Coasters, relegated from the National League last season, have met six times in the North division.

Boston won the first clash 3-1 at York Street in 2014. Since then Fylde have recorded five comprehensive victories, winning 9-2, 5-2 and 3-0 on three occasions.

Today will see defender Scott Duxbury return to his former club following his summer move to Boston.

Kick off is at 3pm and the match can be watched via live stream. Click here for details.

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