Bull sets another new record
 Left, Gary Bull
Gary Bull has been confirmed as Boston Town's all-time leading goalscorer.
The veteran striker finished the season with another impressive haul of 36 goals in all competitions.
Add that to his record-breaking tally of 57 last season and the 33 goals he got the season before that and the former Nottingham Forest forward now has 126 goals to his credit for the Poachers.
Records for some seasons from earlier in the club's history are incomplete.
But club historian Simon Ashberry says it's now clear he has overtaken the previous record-holder Martin Johnson. He hit 110 goals in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
"To have beaten the club record in less than three full seasons is an immense achievement," said Ashberry.
"It's a tribute to Gary's dedication and fitness levels as well as his predatory instincts."
April 21, 2008
'We'll fight tooth and nail'
Boston Town chairman Mick Vines says he will fight tooth and nail to safeguard the future of the club.
He told the Boston Standard the Poachers could be relegated to the United Counties League Division One because their Tattershall Road ground is not up to scratch.
Improvements required include:
* Rasising the security bar around the stadium by five inches
* Removing seats from the old "Dog End" stand
But Town can't apply for grants for work on the ground because of uncertainty over its long-term future.
Boston United entered a Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) last year which provides for building homes on Tattershall Road to help pay off the Pilgrims' £3 million debts.
Vines told the Standard: "We've got until March 2009 to make changes to the ground or we'll be demoted – that would absolutely gut me.
"We want to make these changes, and there is money available in the form of different grants.
"But because we don't own our ground or have a long lease we can't get anything."
"United have got two years left on their CVA and we've got a lease until 2011 – so there's no way they'll be building houses for a while. It seems wrong that we were allowed to be put in this CVA.
"After that time we will fight tooth and nail to save this club.
"We've been at Tattershall Road for 40 years – that's long enough to get squatters' rights.
"It hurts me when you think what this club is going through.
"I know the people of Boston are passionate about their football and I do feel sorry for Boston United fans.
"But we don't owe a penny and are are being told we could be relegated.
"Tattershall Road is not just about our first team. It's the home of our youth teams, which we are hoping to add to next season, and Saturday and Sunday teams."
April 16, 2008
Stotfold crowned champions
Congratulations to Stotfold on winning the UCL title.
They did it in extraordinary fashion - going 4-0 down before half-time at home to Long Buckby in front of a bumper crowd of 234 before recovering to snatch an amazing 4-4 draw.
The Poachers were one of only five teams to defeat Stotfold in the league season, beating them 3-1 away in October and coming very close to making it a double in January at Tattershall Road when the visitors needed a 96th minute equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw.
April 13, 2008
'We shall not be moved'
Boston Town have issued a defiant warning over their Tattershall Road ground: "We shall not be moved!"
Chairman Mick Vines has launched a stinging attack on Boston United's plans to build housing on the land to save their own skins.
Debt-ridden United are struggling to stick the terms of the Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) they entered at the end of last season.
One of its provisions is to help pay off their debts by building homes on Tattershall Road - where Town have played for more than 40 years.
Vines told NonLeagueDaily.com: "We do not owe anybody a penny and have never got our financial affairs in a mess. So why should our ground be taken from us just to save another club which has?
"I would like to know who agreed to the terms of the CVA because it is nonsense. We have three years left on our lease and we have been told that no judge in the land would allow anyone to kick us off because we have done nothing wrong.
"This dispute is threatening us in other ways. We can't obtain grant aid for improvements without at least an 11-year lease and have been told by our league that we will be relegated if we do not make certain improvements by March 2009."
March 31, 2008
Holbeach game re-arranged
Boston Town's home league game against Holbeach has been re-arranged.
The match, which was postponed on Easter Monday becauase of a waterlooged pitch, will now take place on Tuesday, APril 8.
Kick-off is 7.45pm.
March 27, 2008
Weather hits Easter derby
Town suffered that rarest events - a postponement at Tattershall Road.
Their Easter Monday derby at thome to Holbeach was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.
No new date has yet been fixed for the clash.
March 25, 2008
Town 3, United 1
Boston Town completed a remarkable double over their neighbours Boston United with a 3-1 friendly win.
Their Blue Square North rivals fielded a strong side including former Poacher Jon Rowan and players with League Two experience.
But Town followed up their first ever victory over United last July with another thoroughly deserved triumph thanks to goals from Gary Nimmo, Paul Goodhand and Neal Spafford.
February 21, 2008
Poachers take on United XI
Boston Town will entertain a Boston United XI in a friendly on Wednesday.
Tommy Taylor will field a mixture of first team and youth team players. The rest of the Pilgrims' squad will travel to Bourne for a separate friendly the same evening.
The Poachers recorded their first ever victory over their closest rivals in July when they beat them 1-0 in a pre-season friendly.
Kick-off at Tattershall Road is at 7.45pm.
February 16, 2008
Nuttell leaves Tattershall Road
Micky Nuttell has re-joined Boston United for a fourth spell.
Tommy Taylor has signed the Poachers striker despite the fact that he is 39 and has had an injury-blighted season.
Taylor told www.bufc.co.uk: “I believe the signing of Micky Nuttell is important because we have lacked a physical presence up front since Jon Froggatt has been sidelined through injury.
“Micky will be with us until the end of the season and hopefully during that time he can play a part in helping the younger lads up front. We have been crying out for somebody to hold the ball up and I’m confident that Micky can do that.
“He isn’t going to play every week, but I think he is an important signing at this stage of the season.”
* Meanwhile, Town have reportedly signed former United midfielder Mbiyeye Medine.
The Congolese star, nicknamed Mo, previously played for Cambridge United in the Conference less than two years ago.
February 13, 2008
Loach progresses to Football League
Scott Loach has joined an elite band of former Poachers to have progressed to the Football League.
The teenage goalkeeper made 18 appearances for Boston Town on loan from Lincoln City in 2005.
Loach was signed by Watford when they were promoted to the Premier League in the summer of 2006.
After impressing for the Hornets' reserves, he had a trial with Leeds United last summer before being loaned to Stafford Rangers.
Loach's Football League debut came earlier this month when he had a brief loan stint at Morecambe.
He has now signed for fellow League Two side Bradford City until the end of the season - and made his debut last night in front of a crowd of over 13,000 at Valley Parade.
Bantams boss Stuart McCall told the club's official website: "He's got a good pedigree and comes highly recommended to us. I spoke to Aidy Boothroyd, their goalkeeping coach Alec Chamberlain and Martin Hunter with his Bradford links and they all said good things about him.
"We wanted to bring Scott in a couple of months ago to but Watford would only let him out if he was playing games.
"He's one we've been monitoring since and we're delighted that he's come in now.
"He went to Stafford early on and did ever so well and had a few games with Morecambe, where I saw him play against Macclesfield the other week and save a penalty."
Loach's final game for the Poachers was at Long Buckby in November 2005 when he lined up alongside current squad members including Shaun Baker, Nathan Collins, Paul Goodhand and Gary Bull.
Other former Poachers to have progressed to the Football League include Ricky Greenhough (York City and Chester), Neil Mann (Hull City) and John Cockerill (Grimsby Town).
January 30, 2008
FA Vase preview
Boston Town are 33/1 shots with the bookmakers to lift the FA Vase.
SkyBet also rate the Poachers' 4th Round opponents Hungerford the same odds.
Town are 13/8 to win in Berkshire while the Hellenic League side are 6/5 favourites with the draw at 5/2.
The favourites to win the trophy are holder Truro at 9/2. Odds for the other two remaining UCL sides - St Ives and Long Buckby - are both 40/1.
Hungerford's Luke Brewer could be missing for the tie after suffering suspected cartilage damage in last week's 2-0 league defeat against Shrivenham.
They finished the game with only nine men after Shaun Terry and debutant Adam Mayo were both sent off. It was Terry's second red card in consecutive weeks.
January 18, 2008
Daventry present stiff hurdle
Boston Town face a tough away trip in the quarter-finals of the UCL Cup.
The holders must travel to high-flying Division One leaders Daventry Town.
Daventry have won an amazing 16 league games in a row after drawing on the openign day of the season. They have only lost once all season in any competition and they last time they lost at home was in September 2006.
The tie will take place on February 2.
January 12, 2008
Bob pays tribute to Dennis Beatson
Bob Don-Duncan has paid a warm tribute to Dennis Beatson.
The former central defender died at home shortly before Christmas.
The Poachers manager said: "Dennis Beatson was one of the great central defenders of non league football.
"Bill Stanwell frequently said that when the ball came into the Boston Town half he worried not. Dennis set standards of fitness and commitment that present day footballers would do well to copy. Dennis was a winner, a great guy and a dream to manage.
"I was privileged to have been able to play alongside him at the peak of his career, on that wonderful day in Barnsley. I am pleased that he came to our 40th anniversary and we both played together for just a few minutes that day.
"Dennis will be sorely missed by us all. He will be forever etched in the history of this football club, and our condolences go to Pat and his family."
January 5, 2008
Death of a Tattershall Road legend
Tributes have been paid to Dennis Beatson, who has died at home.
The South Yorkshire-based centre-half was a stalwart of the successful Boston FC side of the mid 1970s to early 1980s.
He was first brought to Tattershall Road by Bill Curry at the end of the 1973-74 season.
Under Bob Don-Duncan he formed a formidable defensive partnership with Dave Manning.
A bearded colossus at the heart of the back four, Beatson was also a larger than life character who played a big part in attracting to Boston from the Sheffield area other players such as Mick Daley, Doug Atter, Pete Barker, Martin and Joey Johnson and David "Harry" Rhodes.
Beatson played in FC's most famous match - at Barnsley in the 1st Round Proper of the FA Cup in 1976.
Club historian Simon Ashberry said: "It's incredibly sad to hear of the death of Dennis Beatson. He was part of the fabric of the team for so many years.
"While players like Phil Scothorne and Martin Johnson grabbed more headlines with their goalscoring and trickery, it was Dennis's solidity at the back that made the team of that era so hard to beat."
Beatson was last seen in action at Tattershall Road when he played in a renuion match in 2004 to mark the club's 40th anniversary.
His former team-mate Doug Atter said it was very sad news.
It is thought Beatson suffered a heart attack in his sleep.
The funeral is at 2.45pm on Friday, January 4 at Grenoside Crematorium in Sheffield, which is quite near to the Sheffield Wednesday football ground.
December 27, 2007
Town spared trip to Plymouth
Boston Town have been spared a record-breaking away trip to the south-west.
Plymouth Parkway lost 1-0 at home to Hungerford Town in their delayed 4th Round FA Vase tie.
It means the Poachers must now travel to Hellenic League side Hungerford in Berkshire - a more manageable 350-mile round trip.
The 4th Round tie is scheduled for Saturday, January 19.
December 15, 2007
Poachers face daunting away trek
Boston Town face the prospect of the longest away trip in their history.
They've been drawn away to either Plymouth Parkway or Hungerford Town in the 4th Round of the FA Vase.
Their 3rd Round tie was postponed at the weekend and has been re-scheduled for Saturday, December 15.
If Plymouth win, it will be a 624-mile round trip for Boston - longer than any previous trip to an away match.
Parkway are currently top of the South West Peninsula League Premier Division while Hungerford are 4th in the Hellenic League.
Parkway recently attracted a crowd of 312 for a league derby against Ivybridge - a record for the new SWP League.
Town's previous best Vase run in 1993/94 saw them travel to Brighton (380 mile round trip) and Taunton (480 miles)
The 4th Round tie is scheduled for Saturday, January 19.
December 10, 2007
Sunday date for Poachers
Boston Town's FA Vase trip to Causeway United has been switched to Sunday, December 9.
If the game is a draw, a replay against the Midland Alliance side will take place on Saturday, December 15.
Stourbridge-based Causeway are on form having won 4-0 last weekend.
Town are the only senior Boston side left in a national cup competition after rivals United were knocked out of the FA Trophy.
If the Poachers beat Causeway, it will be only the third time in their history that they have still been in a national cup after Christmas.
A supporters' bus leaves at 9.45am.
December 7, 2007
Lee becomes a Tiger
Lee Orrey has left Tattershall Road to join Holbeach United.
The striker scored on his debut for the Tigers in a 3-1 defeat at St Ives.
Holbeach player/manager Shaun Keeble told Spalding Today: "He slotted in well and looked very lively alongside Liam.
"He gives us options and our squad is starting to look very versatile, which is always good."
December 7, 2007
Poachers head for West Midlands in Vase
Boston Town will be away to Causeway United in the 3rd Round of the FA Vase.
They beat their Midland Alliance counterparts Alvechurch 1-0 in a replay.
Stourbridge-based Causeway are mid-table in the Midland Alliance, which ranked at the same level in the non-league pyramid at the United Counties League.
Last year they had their best ever FA Vase run - reaching the 5th Round where they lost 5-0 to Curzon Ashton.
At stake is £1,250 prize money and a place in the last 32 of the competition.
If the Poachers win, it will be only the second time in their history that they have progressed so far in any national competition.
The tie is due to take place on December 8.
One player who will be particularly looking forward to the tie is West Bromwich-born Gary Bull, who played for West Midlands side Paget Rangers in the early part of his career.
November 21, 2007
Poachers sign Danny
Boston Town have further bolstered their squad with the addition of experienced midfielder Danny Steadman.
He made a good impression on his debut against Wellingborough on Saturday.
Steadman has signed from Blue Square North side Gainsborough, having previously been with Stamford.
November 5, 2007
Pritchard signs for Town
Bob Don-Duncan has pulled off something of a coup by signing record-breaking striker Garath Pritchard.
He played more than 200 times for Stamford before joining Spalding earlier this year.
Pritchard set a new club record for Stamford last November when he scored a four-minute hat-trick in their 6-2 win against Rugby in the Southern League Premier Division, breaking the previous record from 1934.
But former Boston United veteran Steve Appleby has left Tattershall Road to become assistant manager at Wisbech.
October 23, 2007
Town entertain the Wakes
Boston Town have the chance to reach the quarter-finals of the UCL Cup next month.
They have been drawn at home in Round Two to struggling Bourne on Tuesday, November 6.
The Poachers are current holders of the trophy and haven't lost in the competition since October, 2005.
October 22, 2007
Poachers forget how to draw
The Poachers travel to Deeping Rangers tomorrow night looking for a win which would extend a remarkable record in the United Counties League.
Bob Don-Duncan's men appear to have forgotten how to draw games.
Town were held to a 0-0 stalemate at Long Buckby on the first day of last season and then took part in a 4-4 thriller at Yaxley on September 12, 2006.
But, bizarrely, that game 13 months ago was the last time the Poachers drew a league match.
Every single one of their 44 UCL encounters since then has ended in either victory or defeat.
Boston are equally shy of draws in cup competitions.
They managed to finish 2-2 with Potton after 120 minutes of the UCL Cup Final in April but won on penalties - but the last time they ended up requiring a replay because of a cup stalemate was against Belper in the FA Cup, again more than a year ago.
October 15, 2007
Poachers land home draw
Boston Town have been drawn at home to their old Midland League foes Long Eaton in the 2nd Round of the FA Vase.
The tie will take place at Tattershall Road on November 17.
Long Eaton are currently struggling near the foot of the Northern Counties East League Pramier Division, which is ranked on a par with the United Counties League in the none-league pyramid.
October 15, 2007
Poachers get home draw
Boston Town have been drawn at home to their old Midland League foes Long Eaton in the 2nd Round of the FA Vase.
The tie will take place at Tattershall Road on November 17.
Long Eaton are currently struggling near the foot of the Northern Counties East League Pramier Division, which is ranked on a par with the United Counties League in the none-league pyramid.
They edged past lowly Hinckley Downes 3-2 in the last round.
Town last met Long Eaton in the FA Cup Preliminary Round in 2005 when they lost 4-2 away.
October 3, 2007
Rowan moves to York Street
Bob Don-Duncan says Boston Town have been unsettled by the departure of top scorer Jon Rowan.
The in-form striker is expected to sign for rivals Boston United on Thursday (October 4).
Pilgrims boss Tommy Taylor had previously failed in an approach for Town's veteran target man Micky Nuttell.
Don-Duncan told the Boston Standard: "Jon was the second player of ours to be approached in a month and I'm not happy about that. It has been an unsettling period for us.
"It seemed like most of the talk was about who was moving where, instead of being about who we were playing next."
Rowan, who played over 50 times for Grimsby Town, has scored nine goals this season.
Bob Don-Duncan added: "We were very keen for him to stay with us but we wish him all the best and hope he does well.
"John knows we would be keen to welcome him back but I don't think that's in his mind right now.
"He's not going there thinking he's going to be a bit-part player, he wants to use this as a stepping stone to get back into the Football League.
"He's had it sown into his mind he'll be the number one man there. He's going on that pretext."
Rowan is the latest in a long line of Town players who have been snapped up by United over the years. But the likes of Mark Cox and Carl Smaller enjoyed little success at York Street.
October 3, 2007
Poachers meet Tigers
Boston Town's FA Vase 1st Round tie will be an all-UCL affair.
The Poachers will be at home to Holbeach after the Tigers saw off Godmanchester 2-0 in the 2nd Qualifying Round.
The tie is at Tattershall Road on October 6.
September 25, 2007
United swoop for Rowan
Boston United have made another move to plunder a striker from Tattershall Road.
Pilgrims boss Tommy Taylor has lodged the formal seven days' notice required to approach Jon Rowan.
It comes only days after Micky Nuttell snubbed an approach from the York Street club.
Bob Don-Duncan will be desperate to hang onto in-form Rowan, who has scored six goals in the Poachers' table-topping start to the season.
The 25-year-old has an impressive pedigree, having made over 50 league appearances for Grimsby Town, most of them in the old Division 1 (now the Championship).
September 19, 2007
Town aim to open up gap
Boston Town have the chance to go five points clear at the top of the United Counties League at the weekend.
Bob Don-Duncan will be hoping to make the most of the fact that their closest rivals are all involved in the FA Vase.
If the Poachers can beat Potton at home they will open up a healthy gap over St Neots, St Ives, S&L Corby and Stotfold.
Town have a 100 per cent record in the league this season but ahve suffered two setbacks with their exits from the FA Cup and Lincs Senior Trophy.
In all, they have won their last 16 consecutive UCL matches dating back to March.
September 18, 2007
Nuttell snubs United
Micky Nuttell has rebuffed an audacious bid to take him back to Boston United.
The 38-year-old won the Dr Martens League title with the Pilgrims.
The veteran Boston Town striker has also played for Wycombe, who paid a then club record fee of £14,000 for him in 1991.
Tommy Taylor made an approach to the player - but Nuttell has turned down the chance to return to Boston United, preferring to stay at Tattershall Road instead.
September 8, 2007
Date for Lincs Trophy tie
The Poachers will travel to Bottesford on September 29 for their 1st Round tie in the Lincs Senior Trophy.
The Scunthorpe-based club have just been promoted to the Northern Counties East League Division One from the Central Midlands League Supreme Division but are still below Town in the non-league pyramid.
September 4, 2007
Town's UCL Cup date fixed
Boston Town's opening game in the defence of their UCL Cup will be on Tuesday, September 4.
They will entertain Holbeach at Tattershall Road in the 1st Round of the competition which they won in April against Potton in the final.
August 26, 2007
Poachers braced for goal glut
Don't be surprised if there's a goalfest when Boston Town kick off their FA Cup campaign next week.
The Poachers are away to Eastern Counties League Division 1 side Ely City on September 1.
Ely have already scored 10 goals in their three league games so far this season - but they've yet to win!
They've managed a 3-3 draw, a 4-4 draw and a 4-3 defeat.
Town are hardly shot-shy themselves, having racked up a staggering 110 league goals in the United Counties League last season.
The winners of the tie will be at home on September 15 to Yaxley (who beat March Town United in the Extra Preliminary Round) or Soham Town Rangers (who beat St Neots).
August 20, 2007
Poachers set to rack up the miles
Boston Town will again travel well over 2,000 miles to away league games this season.
They will be the most-travelled club in the UCL once more - but the total round trip mileage is down from last season's 2,500 to 2,286.
The Poachers are spared their longest trip of 96 miles one-way to Buckingham, who were relegated, and they also have the short trip to Sleaford to add to their itinerary.
By way of comparison, many UCL clubs have only half as far to travel, while the majority teams in the new-look regionalised Unibond Division One have far shorter distances to travel to Town.
*The Poachers kick off their UCL campaign at home to Cogenhoe on Saturday, August 11, and follow it up with a home game against champions Deeping on Tuesday, August 14.
August 9, 2007
Gingerbreads beat Poachers
Grantham Town were 2-1 winners in Boston Town's final warm-up game at Tattershall Road.
Sean Cann and Ben Dixon scored for the Unibond Divison One North side while Gary Bull netted for the Poachers.
August 4, 2007
Town beat Tulips
Boston Town continued their impressive pre-season campaign with a 3-2 win over Unibond Division One South side Spalding.
Newcomer Chris Gray put the Poachers in front before half-time, with Paul Goodhand and Neal Spafford making it 3-0 shortly after the break. The Tulips pulled back two late goals but it wasn't enough.
August 4, 2007
Boston Town 1, Boston United 0
Yes, you read it right.
After 43 years of hurt, the Poachers finally put one over their old rivals.
It may have only been a pre-season friendly but it nonetheless tasted sweet to the Tattershall Road faithful.
Liam Parker scored the historic winner with a header from a second-half corner.
A crowd of 635 saw an evenly-contested game, with Tommy Taylor's new-look Blue Square North side rarely able to ipose themselves on a team supposedly three levels below in the non-league pyramid.
July 31, 2007
Town v United preview
Stewart Talbot says it won't be a problem if Boston United fall to a historic first defeat against the Poachers tonight.
The 34-year old midfielder will line up for the Pilgrims in a pre-season friendly at Tattershall Road.
With United's new boss Tommy Taylor drafting in plenty of new players, Town must fancy their chances of a first ever victory over their rivals.
Talbot told the Lincolnshire Echo: "It would be nice to win tonight, score a few goals and get that winning mentality.
"It won't be a problem if we lose, it's more about fitness and getting our shape together at this stage."
*Check back here later for full match coverage.
July 31, 2007
Lincs Trophy draw
Boston Town must travel to Bottesford Town in the 1st Round of the Lincs Senior Trophy.
The Scunthorpe-based club were champions of the Central Midlands League Supreme Division last season and have been promoted to the Northern Countires EAst League Division One.
Other 1st Round ties are: Lincoln Moorlands Railway v Winterton Rangers; Sleaford Town v Nettleham and Appleby Frodingham v Blackstones.
Bourne Town, Deeping Rangers, Grimsby Borough, Holbeach United have all been given byes.
No dates have been set yet for any of the fixtures.
July 29, 2007
Lovas plays at Wembley
Boston Town midfielder Laszlo Lovas got the chance to play at the new Wembley in a five-a-side tournament.
He played for a team from the Magnet Tavern called the LA Slickers.
More than 5,000 teams had entered the competition in the hope of gracing the famous stadium.
July 23, 2007
Posh cancellation could cost thousands
Boston Town have labelled Boston United's new manager Tommy Taylor "unprofessional".
They are angry about the way that a planned friendly against his former club Peterborough was called off.
Poachers vice-chairman John Rose told the Lincolnshire Echo Taylor had lacked courtesy in his previous role as Posh's chief scout.
Peterborough first asked for a friendly against Town in February.
Rose told the Echo: "Of course we were overjoyed – to get a League Two side wanting to visit does not happen very often.
But problems soon became apparent as club secretary Ron Bennett tried to finalise details for the fixture - planned for Tuesday July 17.
He was "passed from pillar to post," according to Rose.
"Then one night Tommy Taylor rang and just left a message saying it was off," he said.
"This is not acceptable and has left us very annoyed. The secretary is the man he should deal with on issues like this – he could have spoken to the cleaner or the tea boy for all we know."
"We made a big play to the media about this as Peterborough are managed by Darren Ferguson, son of Manchester United’s Sir Alex.
"We were looking for a bumper night with a good crowd and hoping to earn a couple of thousand pounds."
"Instead we will now be playing Lincoln Moorlands Railway.
"It probably wasn’t his decision to cancel the game but the lack of courtesy in the way he went about delivering the news has left us miffed."
July 16, 2007
Opening UCL fixtures announced
Boston Town have an early chance to lay down the gauntlet to last season's champions Deeping.
They will entertain their rivals in their second match of the new UCL season on Tuesday, August 14.
The Poachers are also at home on the opening day of the new campaign - to Cogenhoe on Saturday, August 11.
Boston have a blank Saturday on August 18 as most UCL clubs are involved in the FA Cup but on Saturday, August 25, they will travel to Long Buckby.
July 13, 2007
Poachers relish non-league derby
Boston Town have arguably their best ever chance of beating their rivals Boston United later this month.
A friendly between the two clubs has been arranged at Tattershall Road on Tuesday, July 31.
It will be only the seventh time the teams have ever met - but the fourth season in a row there has been a pre-season meeting.
United have won all seven encounters but the past three have taken place during the Pilgrims' tenure as a Football League club.
This will be the first time the game will be an all non-league affair since 1998. And with United still having no manager following their chaotic close season, the Poachers must fancy their chances of finally putting one over their neighbours.
July 11, 2007
Poachers get their own pop song
From Three Lions to World In Motion, the pop charts have long been graced with songs inspired by football’s most famous stars.
And now Boston Town are getting in on the act.
Poachers fan Simon Ashberry has written and recorded an anthem called Our Name Is Boston Town.
Officials at the club are impressed – and will be playing it over the PA system at fixtures next season.
The song pays tribute to many of the club’s best-loved players from the past four decades, including Bert Linnecor, Carl Smaller, John McPherson, Martin Johnson, Dave Scotney and Gary Bull.
You can hear an extract of Our Name Is Boston Town here: www.myspace.com/bostontownfc
To buy a CD of the full song, send a cheque for £2 made payable to Simon Ashberry to: Simon Ashberry, 12 Wainman Street, Baildon, West Yorkshire BD17 6NA.
All proceeds will go to Boston Town.
*Many thanks to BBC Radio Lincolnshire for giving permission to use extracts of commentary from Boston FC v Taunton Town.
July 4, 2007
Poachers' FA Cup draw revealed
Boston Town are heading east in the FA Cup.
They have drawn Eastern Counties Division One side Ely City way in the Preliminary Round on September 1.
If they win, they will be at home two weeks later in the ist Qualifying Round to Yaxley, March Town United, Soham Town Rangers or St Neots Town. Yaxley and St Neots are both familiar foes from the UCL while March are in the ECL Division One and Soham are in the ECL Premier.
Boston United are due to enter the competition in the 2nd Qualifying Round.
The draw is much more favourable than last year which saw Town face a daunting trip to Unibond Division One side Belper in the Preliminary Round. The Poachers are due a decent run in the FA Cup - they haven't reached the 1st Qualifying Round since 2002 or the 2nd Qualifying Round since 1995.
The competition is again offering substantial prize money - a win over Ely would be worth £1,000 and victory in the 1st Qualifying Round would increase that reward to £2,250.
The Poachers have a bye in the FA Vase to the 1st Round Proper where they have been drawn at home to fellow UCL side Holbeach United or one of the ECL Division One pair of Hadleigh United or Godmanchester Rovers.
The tie will be played on October 6. The winners will receive £700 in prize money.
July 2, 2007
Poachers face Posh clash
Darren Ferguson will bring Peterborough United to Tattershall Road for a pre-season friendly.
The Posh will play Boston Town on Tuesday, July 17.
Other warm-up games have been scheduled on July 24 against Lincoln United, July 31 against Lincoln Moorlands, August 4 against Spalding and August 7 against Grantham.
All the games are at home, 3pm kick-off for the Saturday match and 7.45pm for the Tuesday fixtures.
June 28, 2007
UCL launches website
The Eagle Bitte United Counties League has launched its own official website for the first time.
Fans will be able to get league news by going to www.ebucl.com
June 28, 2007
Poachers 'sign Appleby'
Former Boston United captain Steve Appleby appears to be heading for Tattershall Road.
The Wisbech Standard reports that the midfielder has decided to leave Wisbech to join the Poachers.
Wisbech's joint manager Ian Jones told the paper: "It is disappointing but Steve wanted to play closer to home and knew that next season would have been a hard one for him."
Appleby made more than 200 appearances for the Pilgrims between 1994 and 1999 and was a firm crowd favourite.
He has just turned 40 and will add to the tremendous experience Bob Don-Duncan already has in Micky Nuttell, Gary Bull and Dave Scotney.
June 26, 2007
Town to play Gingerbreadmen
Boston Town are to play Grantham Town in a pre-season friendly.
The fixture is at Tattershall Road on Tuesday, August 7.
Further war-up games will be announced shortly.
June 18, 2007
Gap between United and Town is closed
Boston Town are once again within touching distance of their rivals Boston United.
The Pilgrims have been handed a double relegation - which mens they face playing the likes of Hucknall and Alfreton in the Blue Square North next season.
There's also a much greater chance of the two clubs drawing each other in the FA Cup.
June 11, 2007
Town face Tigers
Boston Town have been given a bye in the Preliminary Round of the 2007-08 UCL Knockout Cup.
The holders have been drawn at home to Holbeach in the First Round. No date has yet been fixed.
Meanwhile, manager Bob Don-Duncan was presented with the Baker Perkins Trophy at the league's Annual General Meeting at St Neots Town.
The award is made to the club scoring the highest aggregate of goals.
June 8, 2007
Former Poacher dies at 49
Former Boston Town player John Rawdon has died aged 49.
More recently, he had coached youngsters with Horncastle FC.
The club's chairman Julian Rinfret told the Boston Standard: "Rawdy put 100 per cent into coaching for U9s upwards and his focus for football was fantastic. As a committee member his work was invaluable."
The funeral was due to be held at St Mary's Church, Horncastle, on Friday, May 18 at 2.30pm.
May 18, 2007
Poachers get new Lincs derby
Sleaford Town and AFC Kempston Rovers have been promoted to the UCL Premier Division.
They will replace the relegated Buckingham Town and Ford Sports Daventry who have also changed their name to Daventry United.
May 18, 2007
Rivals are relegated
Boston Town's future may have taken another twist with the relegation of Boston United back to the Conference.
The Poachers' ambitions are dependent on apparent plans to redevelop Tattershall Road.
But United's demise could have an impact on the situation - particularly if they have to start in the Conference next season on minus 10 points.
The club tried to enter a CVA during their final day defeat at Wrexham to avoid carrying the penalty over to next season - but it's unclear yet whether the authorities will allow that to happen.
May 5, 2007
Bull ends season on a high
Gary Bull picked up awards galore as the curtain came down on a successul season.
He was presented with a plaque to mark his new record for the most goals in a season - his final tally ending at 57.
The previous record-holder Carl Smaller came back to Tattershall Road to make the presentation.
Bull was also a double winner after the game when he was named the Supporters' Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year.
The Poachers were also presented with runners-up mementoes and showed off the UCL Cup which they won earlier in the month.
Bob Don-Duncan congratulated the team and backroom staff on their hard work this season and said he hoped the same players would all be back next season.
April 29, 2007
Smaller to present award to Bull
Fans will have a chance to pay tribute to two goalscoring legends on Saturday.
Carl Smaller will be at Tattershall Road to make a presentation to Gary Bull before the last game of the season against Raunds.
Smaller previously held the club record for the most goals in a season when he notched 48 in 1993/94.
But that record has been broken this season by Bull, who now has 55.
Boston Town's players will also receive runners-up awards for finishing second in the United Counties League this season.
And there will be a Player of the Year presentation after the game.
April 23, 2007
Poachers on revenge mission
Boston Town will be aiming for revenge when they take on Potton in the UCL Cup Final.
They have already lost home and away to tonight's opponents in the league.
It's Town's only remaining chance of silverware after Deeping clinched the title with a 2-0 win over Northampton Spencer.
April 18, 2007
Town set for runners-up spot
Boston Town look certain to finish as runners-up - for the first time in their history.
Wellingborough can no longer overhaul them - but leaders Deeping need only a point from their final three games to clinch the title.
The Poachers have collected eight championships in their history - but have never before come second in any of the leagues they've been in.
This will be their best finish since being UCL champions in 2001.
April 16, 2007
Poachers set to break another record
The Poachers need just two more points to record their highest ever tally in a season.
Town currently have 86 from 37 games - with three fixtures remaining.
They have already registered more than 100 league goals for the season - the first time they've done that since 1965/66.
And their 28 league wins so far are the most they've mustered in a single season since their first season in 1964/65 when the newly-formed Boston FC were far too good for the Lincs League.
Boston's previous highest points total was 87 from 38 games in the UCL in 1999/2000.
Their 2006/07 record would be enough to make them champions in most seasons. Town's previous two UCL titles have been won with 80 points from 36 matches in 1994/95 and 86 from 40 in 2000/01.
April 11, 2007
Date set for cup final
Town's United Counties League Cup Final against Potton has been confirmed for Wednesday, April 18.
The venue will be Blackstones.
April 10, 2007
Poachers face Potton in final
Boston Town will play their bogey side Potton in the United Counties League Cup Final.
Potton edged past Northampton Spencer 1-0 in the second semi-final.
A date and venue has yet to be fixed for the game which will be between the winners of the trophy in 2004 and 2005.
The Poachers will be anxious for revenge over fourth-placed Potton, who have already beaten them home and away in the league this season.
Boston have not managed to beat The Royals since November 2004.
March 21, 2007
Spencer clash switched
Boston Town will be at home to Northampton Spencer this Saturday.
The game had been due to be played at Northampton - but the Spencer pitch has already been declared unfit because of heavy rain.
The away fixture between the two will be re-arranged.
Town's away match at Wellingborough has been pencilled in for Tuesday, March 20.
March 7, 2007
Collins forced to retire
Nathan Collins has been forced to retire from football because of a persistent shoulder injury.
But the midfielder has agreed to stay on for the rest of the season to help with coaching, reports Boston Buzz.
Nathan made more than 100 appearances for the Poachers after signing from Barton Town in November, 2003.
Bob Don-Duncan said: “It’s very sad to see Nathan deciding he’s got to quit the game. But he’s well liked and a good influence to have around, so his presence and input will still be a help to me.”
March 6, 2007
Deeping v Boston date named
Boston Town's title amibitions will surely be decided in a crucial ten-day spell.
Their vital trip to leaders has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 20.
And they then play third-placed Wellingborough twice in a week - away on February 24 and at home on March 3.
The Poachers' home game against Desborough in the UCL Cup semi-finals has been fixed for Tuesday, March 13.
February 10, 2007
Town to play Deeping conquerors
Boston Town will be at home to Desborough in the UCL Cup semi-finals.
Desborough surprisingly beat league leaders Deeping 2-1 in the last eight.
It was Deeping's first defeat since October and their first at home of any kind this season. They are also atill unbeaten in the league.
But the result shows there may be a chink in their armour and gives the Poachers renewed hope of catching Deeping in the title race.
Northampton Spencer are also through to the semi-finals. They will play he winners of the outstanding quarter-final tie which will be between Potton and eiother S&L Corby or Yaxley.
No date has been fixed yet for Town's semi-final with Desborough.
February 7, 2007
Bob bemused over Barton bye
Bob Don-Duncan is furious after being told Boston Town cannot be reinstated to the Lincs Senior Trophy.
The Poachers were beaten 3-2 in the quarter-finals by Barton Town Old Boys.
The Lincs FA has since thrown Barton out of the competition for fielding an ineligible player in that match.
But bizarrely, it is refusing to reinstate Town.
Instead, Deeping - who were drawn against Barton in the semi-finals - have been given a bye to the final!
Don-Duncan told the Boston Standard: "I'm really annoyed. I'm confused and bemused and don't know why the Lincs FA have taken the decision to give Deeping a bye.
"I feel that if we've been dumped out illegally we should be given the opportunity to go back in."
It's the second time Barton have been expelled from the tournament in three years.
The results of two cup finals in the past three seasons have been overturned in similar circumstances.
Harrowby were awarded the trophy in 2005 despite losing to Winterton in the final.
The previous season, Blackstones were awarded the cup after losing to Barton. In both cases, the winning side were found to have fielded ineligible players in the final.
February 1, 2007
March fixtures announced
Boston Town's fixtures until the end of March have been announced.
The highlight is a home game on March 3 against Wellingborough, the best-supported side in the division.
Town's away fixture against leaders Deeping - a game they will have to win if they are to keep alive any realistic hopes of the title - has still yet to be scheduled.
The Poachers also still have to play Wellingborough away and Northampton Spencer home and away - plus they have a UCL Cup semi-final against Deeping or Desborough to be arranged.
January 29, 2007
Club demand answers from Sportsfunds
Boston Town have demanded that the charitable trust which owns Tattershall Road comes clean about its future.
The club's chairman Mick Vines and directors have issued a hard-hitting statement following recent controversy over the possible redevelopment of the ground.
They make stinging criticisms of Sportsfunds - the body which was originally set up in 1964 to safeguard football in Boston.
The statement says the organisation has been gradually taken over by a pro-Boston United faction with a hidden agenda.
And it claims Sportsfunds has kept Boston Town in the dark in recent years.
The statement says:
* Somewhere along the line, Sportsfunds has turned away from their pivotal role seemingly without feeling there was a need to explain to Boston Town what the club has done wrong and why there appears a need to close down the club.
* Sportsfunds was never meant to be a business aiming for profits year in, year out. In fact, it wasn’t a business at all as there were no premises, no day-to-day activity, no employees, perhaps a meeting once a year and certainly (for some time) no interest in Boston Town whatsoever. If fact some might argue, Sportsfunds had become the total opposite to what the organisation was originally brought into being to achieve.
* There is a suspicion Sportsfunds might try to hide behind legal jargon and comments, but Boston Town officials and supporters want to hear from the organisation (without any individual issues being brought into the equation) why the present path has been taken and why the landlords’ original identity appears to have been wholly betrayed.
January 26, 2007
Poachers face fixture backlog
A waterlogged pitch meant Boston Town were left without a game again.
The postponement of their 2nd v 3rd clash with Wellingborough gave Deeping the chance to extend their lead at the top.
Postponed games at Tattershall Road are almost unheard - but standards are not so high elsewhere in the UCL.
That's three consecutive away matches that the Poachers have had called off. Inevitably, the Poachers will now face fixture congestion later in the season.
January 22, 2007
Poachers sign Dutch keeper
Boston Town have signed the vastly experienced Dutch goalkeeper Bart Griemink.
The 34-year-old made more than 220 league appearances in England before retiring from the professional game.
Griemink played for Birmingham City, Barnsley, Peterborough United, Swindon and Southend before suffering a knee injury.
His last league game was only 14 months ago for Southend in front of 19,000 fans at Nottingham Forest's City Ground.
A smaller crowd is expected tomorrow night (January 9) when he is in line to make his debut in the UCL Cup quarter-final against Holbeach.
Bob Don-Duncan said signing Griemink was a tremendous coup. The Poachers' current number one Ian Pledger is looking to move back up to Dr Martens League football.
January 8, 2007
February fixtures announced
Further United Counties League fixtures have been announced - with a Tattershall Road clash against title rivals Northampton Spencer top of the bill.
Three out of Town's four games in February are away.
The Poachers will travel to Desborough on February 3, Buckingham on February 17 and Raunds on February 24.
On February 10 they will entertain Northampton Spencer, who are currently fourth, two points behind Boston with a game in hand.
December 23, 2006
Home league cup draw for Town
Boston Town will continue their bid for silverware with a home quarter-final in the United Counties League Cup.
They have been drawn to face Lincolnshire rivals Holbeach at Tattershall Road in the last eight of the knockout tournament.
The tie takes place on Tuesday, January 9.
Town last won the trophy three seasons ago.
*Town's top-of-the-table clash at home to Wellingbrough has now been postponed. Instead, the Poachers will instead entertain Cogenhoe on January 13 - although they will still travel to Wellingborough as planned on January 20.
December 9, 2006
Tattershall Road homes plan rejected
Boston Council have refused to grant planning permisssion for Tattershall Road to be turned into a housing estate.
Its planning committee also turned down applications to redevelop York Street for housing and build new grounds for both Boston Town and Boston United.
All four applications were made by United's owners Lavaflow.
But they were rejected for a string of reasons including concerns over traffic congestion and the fact there was no satisfactory business plan.
Boston United owe £900,00 to the Inland Revenue and the club had hoped to wipe out its debts by moving to the Boardsides.
United chairman Jim Rodwell told Radio Lincolnshire after the meeting that the club was now "very close" to going out of business.
Rodwell, a former Boston Town player, said it was a black day for Boston United and that he would be thinking long and hard about his future.
December 4, 2006
Poachers close gap on leaders
Boston Town have closed the gap on United Counties League leaders Wellingborough to three points with three games in hand.
And they will go top again on goal difference if they beat Blackstones at Tattershall Road on Tusday night.
Town's 3-2 win over Wootton Blue Cross - in front of their biggest crowd of the season - saw them gain ground on both Wellingborough and fellow title rivals Deeping, who drew 1-1.
Bob Don-Duncan's men play Wellingborough twice in January - but their away league match against Deeping has not yet been scheduled.
December 4, 2006
Town's crucial January double
The Poachers face a mouth-watering double-header against title rivals Wellingborough after Christmas.
Bob Don-Duncan's men are currently second in the UCL, five points behind the Northamptonshire side but with three games in hand.
And the January fixture list has thrown up a home game against the leaders on Saturday, January 13 followed by a trip to Wellingborough seven days later.
Boston United are scheduled to be away on January 13 and Town will be hoping for a bumper crowd - Wellingborough are by far the best-supported crowd in the UCL and have regularly attracted crowds of between 200 and 300 for their home games this season.
November 29, 2006
Question mark over ground move
The future of Tattershall Road as Boston Town's ground could be safe after all.
Plans to move Town to a new ground look far from becoming a reality after receiving the thumbs-down from Boston Council officials.
Planning officers are recommending that applications to put houses on Tattershall Road and build a new stadium for the Poachers in Wyberton are both refused.
The council is also being recommended to turn down applications to redevelop York Street for housing and build a new stadium for Boston United on Boardsides.
All four applications have been made by United's owners Lavaflow.
A decision will be made by the council's planning committee on December 4.
Officers say the planned new stadium for Boston Town at Cuckoo Land should not go ahead because extra traffic would make Tytton Lane East unsafe.
Their recommendation to refuse outline permission for homes to be built on Tattershall Road is because there is no business plan showing that the four linked developments are financially capable of being built.
They also say redeveloping Tattershall Road would worsen traffic congestion and that the site is a high risk flood zone.
November 27, 2006
Buckingham clashed rained off
The Poachers were left kicking their heels after their away game at Buckingham was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.
It means Town could fall behind in the race for the UCL title as they have currently have a blank Saturday scheduled for December 9 and a cup game pencilled in for December 16.
November 26, 2006
Diss Town is big enough for Jamie
Jamie Lawrence has left Tattershall Road to join Eastern Counties Division One side Diss Town.
The winger made 11 appearances for the Poachers this seaosn but was unable to command a reglar first team place.
Manager Bob Don-Duncan said: “Jamie wants regular first team football. He’s had an offer from Diss and we wish him well for the future.”
November 15, 2006
Town aim for top spot
Boston Town will go top of the UCL if they win or draw at home to struggling Yaxley.
The Poachers are only a point behind leaders Wellingborough with a game in hand.
Wellingborough and third-placed Deeping have no midweek league fixtures as they are involved in the UCL Cup.
November 13, 2006
Congratulations to Bob!
Boston Town boss Bob Don-Duncan has been named the United Counties League Premier Division Manager of the Month for October.
After losing their first match of the month his team then won seven matches in succession - five in the UCL and one apiece in FA Vase and UCL Cup.
November 3, 2006
Harris joins Rangers
Ben Harris has left Tattershall Road to join rivals Deeping Rangers.
The midfielder made quite an impression when he first arrived in 2004/05, scoring a hat-trick in a 7-0 FA Vase demolition of Daventry.
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