PORT v PILGRIMS: Andi Thanoj marks his return with brace as Boston united win at Southport

(George Newell 79; Andi Thanoj 44, 60, Luke Shiels 88)

Andi Thanoj marked his return to the Boston United starting XI by netting a brace and turning provider as the Pilgrims won 3-1 at Southport.

Making his first appearance since limping off with a groin injury in December 1's FA Cup clash at Rochdale, the Albanian-born midfielder announced his return in superb style.

And he showed United exactly what they have missed over the past 48 days and eight matches with two fine finishes.

With 44 minutes played Thanoj, who had just been taken out by David Morgan, placed the dead ball just outside the hosts' box and swept home his third free kick of the campaign.

Thanoj - who needed 76 games in a Boston shirt to open his account - netted his sixth goal in 10 appearances as he headed home Martyn Wooldford's cross on the hour mark.

George Newell gave the hosts hope as he halved United's lead in the 79th minute, but Thanoj wasn't done there.

His 88th minute corner was met by Luke Shiels who powered home United's third of the day to secure three points and keep Craig Elliott's side fifth in the National League North.

Thanoj was one of three changes to the Pilgrims' starting XI, with Alex Whittle and Woolford also returning at the expense of Ashley Jackson, Jay Rollins and Jake Wright, the latter sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Alex Penny shrugged off his hamstring troubles to keep his place at right back.

The Sandgrounders had the better of the early exchanges with Reagan Ogle heading wide.

At the other end, Pilgrims skipper Shiels saw a glancing header fall the wrong side of the woodwork before Dominic Knowles and Thanoj saw efforts land off target.

Back came the Port, with Zehn Mohammed's effort dropping wide.

But just as half time approached the already-booked Morgan brought down Thanoj, the playmaker getting his name back on the scoresheet with another deadball special.

United keeper Peter Crook needed his wits about him in the second half, denying Devarn Green and then Newell, before tipping over Mohammed's header from the resulting corner.

Thanoj's headed goal - his first for Boston - made it 2-0 before the same player came within a whisker of his hat-trick, steering his free kick over Charlie Albinson's crossbar.

The Southport keeper was then called into action to keep out a 25-yard effort from Tom Platt.

Newell made a game of it with little more than 10 minutes to go as he headed home Ogle's long throw.

United missed the chance to regain their two-goal cushion as Knowles was unable to net Shiels' fierce cross, Woolford putting the rebound over.

But there was no messing from Shiels as he connected with Thanoj's corner.

There was still time for Mohammed to try his luck, but again he couldn't beat Crook.

PORT: Albinson, Mohammed, Ogle, Oliver, Astles, Morgan, Benjamin, Green (Woods 77), Newell, Sampson, Bauress (Homson-Smith 80); Subs (not used): Parry, Winnard.

UNITED: Crook, Penny, Whittle (Jackson 90), Platt, Garner, Shiels, Thanoj (Wafula 90), Abbott, Knowles (Rollins 90), Thewlis, Woolford; Subs (not used): Ainge, Willis.

REF: Aaron Bannister.

ATT: 883.