BOSTON UNITED scored two second-half goals to see off Hereford FC and secure their play-off place on the final day of the season.
Over 4,000 fans inside Edgar Street saw the Pilgrims take the lead through Jordan Richards just after half-time before Jai Rowe made sure of the three points when Hereford were caught on the counter-attack 14 minutes later.
The visitors had an early opportunity to open the scoring when Kelsey Mooney was picked out in the area after four minutes but he was unable to direct his header on target.
A lively start to the game saw the Bulls on the attack shortly after with Jason Cowley going through on goal but his effort was saved by the legs of goalkeeper James Gregory.
Boston, who needed a win to make sure of a play-off place, were inches away from taking the lead in the 17th minute when Yusifu Ceesay’s mistimed jump allowed the ball to drop to Rowe on the edge of the area who fired just wide.
Cowley and Williams’ link up play on the half-hour mark saw the latter surge through on goal but Gregory was on hand to deny the striker at close range and keep the scores level.
On the stroke of half-time Hereford captain Nathan Cameron found Williams inside the box whose chipped effort over Gregory threatened to loop in before striking the far post.
With fellow play-off chasers South Shields and Spennymoor leading, Boston found the goal they needed when Richards fired past Curtis Pond from inside the box for a 51st minute lead.
Fourteen minutes later the Pilgrims doubled their advantage when a swift Boston attack resulted in Rowe firing low into the bottom corner of Pond’s net.
Paul Caddis’ side almost pulled one back when substitute Tope Obadeyi was found at the back post by Alex Babos in the 70th minute but his header flew inches wide of the post.
Cameron looked to get on the scoresheet when he met Lassana Mendes’ free-kick in the final minute of normal time but it was straight at Gregory, meaning a fine season for the Bulls would end in defeat.
Hereford: Pond, Hudson, Teixeira, Ceesay, Babos (Mendes 75), Cowley (Rooney 75), Williams, D'Ath (Obadeyi 70), Okeke, Cameron, Howkins
Unused Subs: Downing, Walby
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