OPINION: The spirit of York Street will live on at the Jakemans Community Stadium

Boston United ran out onto the Jakemans Community Stadium turf for a competitive match for the first time on Saturday.

As they did, Olympic Spirit boomed out from the speakers - the first music played at their new stadium also the final record to be played at York Street, their home from 1933 until August this year. A nice little touch for a building full of them.

But what should have also accompanied that John Williams tune was the roar of the excited crowd.

Sadly, that was not to be this weekend as Lincolnshire’s tier three status means fans are still unable to get their first glimpse inside the brilliant new building.

You will have seen the imposing circular floodlights as you drive along the A16, and the neon amber ring that lights up around them.

You will have seen the main stand on the timelapse video or from photographs issued by the club in recent weeks.

You may have clocked the stadium is positioned to bask in the morning sun to avoid those frozen lines that caused so many problems on winter matchdays at York Street.

But - despite the stadium now up and running - you probably won’t have seen the bits inbetween (unless you caught some recent footage on social media which was gone quicker than you can say Gary McSheffrey).

Images of the dressing room, boardroom, bars, concourses and everything else listed there on the online plans are being kept under wraps by chairman David Newton, who wants the supporters to see it all for the first time in person.

I was one of the fortunate few to attend Saturday’s match. I was also lucky enough to sneak a peek behind the scenes.

I know, you're clenching your fists and plotting my demise, but hear me out.

And don't worry, I’m not going to break embargo and spill the beans. I wouldn’t do that, just like I wouldn’t ruin Christmas by telling you you’re getting socks and a jumper.

But I do agree with the chairman’s thought process that seeing really is believing in this case.

I’m not throwing spoilers at you, but I will say this is no clean break. The spirit of Boston United has not been forgotten.

It has very much made the move from Spayne Road to Pilgrim Way in ways you will admire, probably even love.

But what this corner of the Quadrant does offer is a sense of reinvigorated hope.

The new stadium makes you feel that the potential we have seen on the pitch is now there across the entire infrastructure - a ground that can take you places.

These are exciting times for Boston United and hopefully soon exciting times for returning fans.

The club has maintained its spirit. Its soul will be back there soon.

MORE PILGRIMS: Jake Wright training with United

MORE PILGRIMS: “We let ourselves down” - Duxbury

MORE PILGRIMS: Boss ‘devastated’ by defeat