“I can’t fault them today!” Elliott pleased with Boston United performance, but not the scoreline at Brackley

The Pilgrims made it three defeats without a goal following their 2-0 reverse at St James’s Park, in a contest which was settled by one moment of brilliance and a penalty.

Boston looked composed in the first half until Lee Ndlovu’s turn of pace and pass to James Armson saw the hosts take a 44th-minute lead.

And it was 2-0 five minutes after the break as Shane Byrne converted from the spot after Ben Davies was dismissed for handball.

“It was a matter of coming out with a bit of credit and, to be fair to the lads, they did that,” Elliott of his side going 2-0 down.

“I’ve been harsh on them the last few weeks but I can’t fault them today. I thought they put a really good shift in.

“To a man they were great, but we’re a bit down on our luck at the minute, we’ve got people injured and another sending off.”

Elliott added: “I thought, first half, we did everything we wanted to do.

“We stopped them having chances and had one or two moments ourselves. I was looking forward to going in 0-0.

“Then they went down the middle and got that goal. It gave them confidence and a bad start to the second half - game over.

“The penalty was unfortunate and then the sending off makes it a double whammy. It’s damage limitation after that.

“They’ve got too many good players and if you come out they pick you off.”