Fitness will play part in Boston United team selection ahead of National League North play-offs - Craig Elliott

Fitness levels will play a big part in Craig Elliott's selection process ahead of the National League North play-offs.

The Boston United squad reported back for training last week following a three-month break due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the manager praising the attitude and physical condition of his players.Beginning again with a blank canvas, the Pilgrims manager told The Standard his players all have the chance of forcing their way into his starting XI.

But Elliott knows sharpness will be a key factor for any team chasing promotion.

"We've got a 20-man squad. On paper I like the look of it, we've got good options," he said, before addressing the issue of match fitness.

"That's my only concern now. It's important to understand there's no form as such.

"I'll be looking to see who's maybe a touch fitter than others. That maybe goes some way to deciding minutes on pitch as we need to be ready.

"There's no hiding place."

When the season was postponed in March the Pilgrims looked to have lost Andi Thanoj for the remainder of the campaign due to a knee ligament injury, while striker Jake Wright was looking at two weeks on the sidelines due to concussion.

But both are now back in contention for selection.

"Jake's trained really well and Andi is back, getting fitter," Elliott added.

"It's good to see him out there. We all know the quality he's got."

Brackley Town and Gateshead will meet on July 19, the winners travelling to York Street to face Boston in their play-off semi-final on July 25 (KO 3pm).

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