Preview By Ken Fox - www.BostonUnited.co.uk - Boston United Official Website
When Boston United take on Reading in the Carling Cup on Wednesday night it will be the first time since 1974 that the Pilgrims have faced such high flying opponents in a competitive match. Back then they met Derby County, who at the time were challenging for the old First Division title, in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. A creditable 0-0 draw at the Baseball Ground was followed by a heavy defeat in the replay at York Street.
Extra spice is added to the upcoming encounter with the Royals by a connection with last season's pre-season saga that saw Boston United docked four points and fined £100,000 by the FA for failing to register some player contracts correctly.
Many Boston fans felt that the FA Enquiry was sparked off by an investigative reporter called Graham Nickless, who had been employed by Boston's Conference rivals Dagenham & Redbridge, to do some digging into Boston's affairs. It has been reported that Nickless is an ardent Reading supporter, so Boston fans are hoping it will be payback time with the Pilgrims progressing to the next round.
On, Saturday, Boston started the new season with a 0-0 draw at Macclesfield. In a match that they dominated for long periods, they failed to put away any of the many chances they created. The closest they came to scoring was when striker Peter Duffield saw his shot agonisingly cannon off the underside of the bar, down onto the goal line and out to safety.
The two new summer signings, Daryl Sutch and Graham Potter, both experienced players with Premiership credentials (with Norwich and Southampton respectively), fitted in well. Goalkeeper Paul Bastock was turning out for the club for the 574th time, a club appearance record.
Boston will be hoping to start the new season as they finished it, winning four of their last six matches. If we can keep the good run going, then a Play-Off place at the end of the season doesn't seem to crazy a dream.
For Wednesday night's match though, a Reading win looks to be the most likely result. Reading are just too good a side and Boston tend to play to form, a fact highlighted by last season's exit from the Worthington Cup following a 5-1 defeat by Cardiff City.
Thanks to www.BostonUnited.co.uk