TOPB1NS
English National League •31 October 2026 •KO 17:30
Boston United badge
Boston United
2:1
Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe United badge
FORM
L L L W W
#19 -1
18 PTS GD: -8
PLAYED: 16
#23 0
10 PTS GD: -11
PLAYED: 15
FORM
L L L L L

Boston United 2-1 Scunthorpe United

Tom Cursons scored twice for the second successive match as Boston United beat Lincolnshire rivals Scunthorpe United 2-1 at the Jakemans Community Stadium, securing back-to-back National League victories and extending the Iron’s losing sequence to five games. The striker followed his dramatic late brace against Gateshead with two first-half goals, taking his tally to seven for the season, before James Norwood pulled one back for the visitors after the interval. Boston manager Paul Hurst rewarded Cursons, Jack Holmes and Georgie Gent with starting places following their contributions from the bench against Gateshead on Tuesday, while Scunthorpe were playing their first match under interim player-managers Jacob Butterfield and Ross Barrows following Andy Butler’s dismissal. The visitors created the first significant opportunity when Patrick Jones found space to shoot, but Boston goalkeeper Louis Chadwick produced an important save to keep the scores level. The hosts took the lead in the 14th minute after former Boston defender Jean Belehouan fouled Cursons inside the penalty area. Referee Aaron Bannister awarded a penalty, and Cursons stepped up to send Maison Campbell the wrong way from the spot. Scunthorpe attempted to respond, but Boston doubled their advantage three minutes before half-time following a swift counter-attack. The Pilgrims cleared a Scunthorpe corner and Ken Aboh broke forward at pace before unselfishly laying the ball into Cursons’ path. The striker struck from outside the penalty area to complete his brace and give Boston a 2-0 lead at the interval. The hosts thought they had extended their advantage shortly after the restart when Aboh found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Scunthorpe then reduced the deficit in the 53rd minute through Norwood, who controlled a long ball forward before finishing beyond Chadwick. Boston’s official report claimed the striker had used his arm to bring the ball under control, but referee Bannister allowed the goal to stand. The decision left Scunthorpe within a goal of an equaliser and set up a competitive second half. Interim managers Butterfield and Barrows introduced Declan Howe and James Gale in the 62nd minute, replacing Luke Brennan and Jordan Richards, as the visitors searched for a way back into the contest. Boston remained a threat at the other end and nearly restored their two-goal advantage when substitute Ollie Bostock forced Campbell into a save during the closing stages. Hurst made four substitutions in the final minutes, introducing Bostock, Lenell John-Lewis, Levi Sutton and Gavan Holohan as Boston protected their narrow lead. Scunthorpe also brought on Oliver Rose, Kyle Hurst and Stanley Ashbee, but were unable to find an equaliser. The final whistle confirmed Boston’s second successive home victory, reversing the result of the clubs’ FA Cup meeting a fortnight earlier, when Scunthorpe had won 3-1 at the same ground. Cursons’ four goals across the two league matches proved decisive in lifting the Pilgrims out of their recent slump, having previously gone six league games without victory. Boston moved to 19th in the National League with 18 points from 16 matches, while Scunthorpe remained 23rd with 10 points from 15 games after a fifth consecutive league defeat.
Edgy Eddie

TopB1ns Edge

By Edgy Eddie

Right then, let’s have a butcher’s at this one. Boston United bagged the win at home against Scunthorpe United, 2-1 it finished. The bookies had it pretty much dead even, both teams at 2.45, but TopB1ns Edge fancied the Pilgrims to get the job done, and bang, it nailed the 1X2. It also called ‘Yes’ on Both Teams To Score, which was spot on, with both sides finding the net.

Looking at the Over/Under markets, TopB1ns Edge was bang on the money for Over 0.5, Over 1.5, and Over 2.5, all smashing in. It also correctly predicted Under 3.5, Under 4.5, Under 5.5, and Under 6.5. Seems the teething issues are sorted, eh? This model’s showing some serious smarts already. A solid day’s punting thanks to the Edge!