NL 2025/26 Squad Update and Pre-season: Boston United

29th July 2025 4:37 pm

Pilgrims Tested: Boston United Show Grit in Mixed Pre-Season Run

Boston United’s pre-season started brightly with a comfortable 2–0 victory over Lincoln United, where Olly Green and Manni Norkett struck first-half goals as Craig Elliott fielded two different XIs. The Pilgrims then battled to a 2–2 draw in the Boston derby against Boston Town, with Luca Alonzi scoring early and a late trialist equaliser salvaging a share of the spoils.

However, sterner tests against higher-league opposition followed, starting with a narrow 1–0 home defeat to Peterborough United despite good chances for Kieren Donnelly and Frankie Maguire. Grimsby Town then edged out United 2–1, with Norkett scoring a stoppage-time consolation after goals from Justin Amaluzor and Reece Staunton gave the Mariners control.

The final pre-season outing saw Boston fall 1–0 to Peterborough Sports, where Bayley McCann’s first-half strike settled a tight game despite Maguire going close from a free-kick. Across pre-season, Boston showed flashes of promise with Norkett and Alonzi providing attacking spark, but struggled to convert chances against stronger opponents, leaving areas to refine ahead of the new campaign.

Pre-season results at a glance

Lincoln United 0–2 Boston United
📅 July 12 | ✅ Win
⚽ Green, Norkett
📝 A strong start for the Pilgrims with first-half goals from Green and Norkett. Two different XIs were used, showcasing squad depth and sharp early fitness.

Boston Town 2–2 Boston United
📅 July 15 | 🤝 Draw
⚽ Alonzi, Trialist
📝 Alonzi struck early before Town turned the game around. A late trialist equaliser salvaged a draw after Norkett had a header controversially ruled out for offside.

Boston United 0–1 Peterborough United
📅 July 19 | ❌ Loss
📝 A narrow defeat to League One opposition. Donnelly and Maguire went close while a late strike hit the post, but Lindgren’s early goal proved decisive.

Boston United 1–2 Grimsby Town
📅 July 23 | ❌ Loss
⚽ Norkett
📝 Former Alty man Amaluzor and Staunton gave Grimsby control before Norkett scored deep in stoppage time. Alonzi impressed with his late assist.

Peterborough Sports 1–0 Boston United
📅 July 26 | ❌ Loss
📝 A tight contest settled by McCann’s first-half strike. Maguire’s free-kick went narrowly wide as Boston searched for an equaliser.

Key performers

Manni Norkett – Found the net twice, including a late consolation vs Grimsby; showed good movement and finishing instincts.
Olly Green – Scored the first pre-season goal and provided midfield energy and composure in possession.
Luca Alonzi – Netted early against Boston Town and assisted Norkett vs Grimsby; lively in attacking build-up.
Frankie Maguire – Created chances and came close with a free-kick vs Peterborough Sports, adding creativity to midfield.
Greg Sloggett – Provided stability and leadership in midfield throughout various rotations.
Bobby Jones / Rhys Lovett – Shared goalkeeping duties and produced key saves to keep games tight against higher-league sides.

Tactical notebook and insights

Heavy Rotation: Craig Elliott utilised nearly his full squad across matches, testing trialists and giving young players opportunities.
Promising Attack: Alonzi and Norkett offered direct runs and goal threat despite limited chances against strong opposition.
Defensive Solidity: Backline held firm for large periods but struggled at times with early goals and pressure from EFL sides.
Midfield Creativity: Green and Maguire linked well with forwards, offering glimpses of incisive passing and set-piece danger.
Fitness & Depth: Squad fitness improved steadily with different XIs used each half in early games, giving valuable minutes to fringe and academy players.