Boston United produced a shock 3-0 victory against Sutton United at the VBS Community Stadium, defying pre-match expectations with a clinical performance that left the home side reeling.
The Pilgrims’ incisive attacking play yielded the opening goal in the 23rd minute. A flowing move culminated in Frankie Maguire slipping a perfectly weighted pass to Jacob Hazel, who coolly slotted the ball past the Sutton goalkeeper. Sutton’s frustration was evident as they received two quick yellow cards, with Lewis Simper cautioned in the 20th minute for a foul, followed by Charlie Waller in the 50th. Boston’s Martin Woods (27th minute) and Michael Bostwick (33rd minute) also picked up bookings in a sometimes fractious first half. Despite Sutton’s attempts to find an equaliser, Boston maintained their composure and their one-goal advantage going into half-time.
Sutton manager Steve Morison looked to change the game’s momentum with a double substitution on the hour mark, introducing Josh Coley and Jeremy Sivi to bolster the attack. However, it was Boston who struck again in the 68th minute. Zak Mills found space inside the penalty area and emphatically finished to double the Pilgrims’ lead. Just six minutes later, Hazel secured his brace and sealed the victory, capitalising on a defensive lapse to make it 3-0. With the game won, Boston made a series of late substitutions, including the 86th-minute withdrawal of two-goal hero Hazel.
The resounding victory lifts Boston United to 19th in the National League table, while Sutton United drop to 13th. Although the two sides haven’t clashed in league competition for three seasons, this result will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to Boston’s confidence as they aim to climb further up the standings.