I want 20 clean sheets! Miserly Boston United set challenge by boss Craig Elliott

Craig Elliott has set his Boston United side the target of reaching 20 clean sheets by the end of the season.

Peter Crook earned shut-out number 16 this afternoon as the Pilgrims beat AFC Telford United 1-0."I want 20, that's the aim," said Elliott, whose side have 13 National League North contests and a county cup final against Cleethopes left to play.

"Hopefully, we can achieve that.

"(Telford) were always going to have possession because of their long throws and things like that, but I don't think they had too many clear-cut chances.

"We had a good line and it was about seeing the game out, we managed it really well and deserved it."

Dominic Knowles' 27th-minute penalty settled the contest as Boston moved up to third, Arlen Birch red carded after the final whistle for arguing with referee Callum Walchester, claiming his challenge on Frank Mulhern should not have been given as a foul.

"I wouldn't be happy if it was given against me, but to be fair to Frank, he said he's had a nudge on his thigh just as he's about to do it," added Elliott, whose side were last awarded a spot kick on December 7, 12 matches ago.

"The referee's obviously seen something and it's about time we had one anyway, so I'll take it.

"I've been on the other side and you have to take it."

Knowles, whose previous penalty for Boston was saved at Sutton Coldfield, sent Bucks keeper Michael Luyambula the wrong way.

"He's got a great record for penalties at Harrogate so I wasn't fazed really," Elliott said.

"With Jordan (Thewlis) on the bench he did what he does, and calmly put it away."