Boston forced into reshuffle

By Nathan Jackson
December 20 2005

Boston United will have to reshuffle their starting line up for the upcoming local derby against the Imps on Boxing Day. With loanee goalkeeper, Michel Kuipers returning to Boston and Nathan Abbey not returning until January, it will mean a forced 3rd league appearance for Chris Wright,

Boston have lost just 2 of their last 16 league matches but have only won 5 games in that time, meaning that the currently sit just a place above the Imps who have only won 4 of their last 14 league games. However, Boston appear to overlooked an error which now means they have to play their reserve/youth team goalkeeper, Chris Wright. A month ago, just before the loan deadline, Boston allowed Nathan Abbey to go on loan to Orient until January 7th and Boston loaned in Kuipers on a months loan, which expires this week, meaning that Boston have no choice but to field their youth team goalkeeper which could prove vital in the match.

In the past, there have been 3 league meetings between the 2 clubs at Sincil Bank, all ending in a draw. The first in 2002/3 came on New Years Day. Simon Weaver gave the Imps an 8th minute lead before current Imps' striker, Richard Logan headed Boston level from a corner that resulted from the ball not going out of play. Just over a year later and the match at Sincil Bank was Keith Alexander's first back in the manager's seat at Sincil Bank after his health problems. Neil Redfearn gave Boston an early lead before Marcus Richardson equalised midway through the first half. Last season and City dominated the match, taking a deserved lead midway through the first half when Jamie McCombe broke down the right and slotted past Abbey. Green made it 2-0 midway through the second half with a close range volley. However, 5 minutes from time, McAuley was judged to have handled the ball in the area when a ball was smashed at him from 2 yards and the penalty was converted to make it 2-1 before ex-Imp Jason Lee headed Boston level in the final minute.

Out of the 6 football league matches between the sides, Boston have won just once, the very first meeting. Since then, City have won twice and have drawn 3 times. Don't you just love local derbies.