"He was one of the star performers!" Craig Elliott had faith in Scott Garner in penalty shootout... despite previous misses

Scott Garner finally laid his penalty shootout ghost to rest, but Craig Elliott admitted he had no idea of the defender's spotkick history with Boston United.

Garner's strike secured a 4-2 shootout win over AFC Fylde in the FA Trophy today, with Ross Fitzsimons saving two Coasters efforts.

Garner's last two strikes from 12 yards for the Pilgrims were saved, against North Ferriby in the Trophy and Chorley in play-off semis.

But Elliott has always been impressed with his defender's penalty skills.

"We did a lot of practising of penalties for the play-offs last year. I knew Garns and Platty (Tom Platt) were ready to go," he said.

"He was one of the star performers in the summer, but I didn't know about the others.

"When it's like that you want players to step forward and say 'I want a penalty' and most of the lads did."

Elliott, whose previous shootout experience with Boston was 2017's county cup defeat at Gainsborough, admitted he'd forgotten the game went straight to spot kicks at full time, a new rule for this season.

"I had forgotten it went straight to penalties, I was getting ready for extra time," he said.

"But to be straight to penalties is the best way at the moment and a nice little story for the new ground as well."

Junior Mondal put the Costers 1-0 up in 20 seconds before Connor Dimaio levelled, the first goal by a Boston player at the Jakemans Community Stadium.

"The teamtalk was based around finding ways to stay unbeaten and get into the next round - and we did that," Elliott added.

"We weren't at it first half and the goal changed the dynamics. But I can't knock them, they've shown a lot of character to get back in the game and win on penalties.

"As you can imagine, you talk a lot about starting well. I didn't see it, I was still getting set in the dug out. Nobody feels sorry for you so you have to get on with it."

Turning to Dimaio's 25-yard curler, Elliott added: "Connor, I've had a word with him about shooting more and I'm over the moon he's scored today.

"He's gone down in history now, which is nice. He's great player and great lad, been a bit down on his luck lately. I'm really pleased with his attitude."

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