Pilgrims’ Progress: Boston United’s Pre-Season Journey Sets Stage for National League Adventure

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Overview

Boston United FC, based in Lincolnshire, England, secured promotion to the National League with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Brackley Town in the National League North Play-Off Final on May 4, 2024. Under manager Graham Coughlan, appointed in November 2024, the Pilgrims defied the odds in their first season back in the fifth tier, finishing 19th in the 2024-25 National League season to secure survival. With a passionate fanbase and Coughlan’s remarkable turnaround, Boston United aim to build on their mid-table finish and push for a stronger campaign in 2025-26.

Pre-Season Schedule and Results

Boston United have completed six pre-season friendlies, with one final match to play. The fixtures have tested the squad against local non-league sides, EFL clubs, and a youth team, with home games at the Jakemans Community Stadium. Below are the results and the upcoming fixture:

  • Saturday, July 12, 2025: Lincoln United 0-2 Boston United (A). A confident win against the Northern Premier League side showcased attacking intent.
  • Tuesday, July 15, 2025: Boston Town 2-2 Boston United (A). A draw against the local non-league side exposed defensive vulnerabilities.
  • Saturday, July 19, 2025: Boston United 0-1 Peterborough United (H). A narrow defeat to the League One side highlighted defensive resilience but a lack of cutting edge up top.
  • Wednesday, July 23, 2025: Boston United 1-2 Grimsby Town (H). Manni Norkett (90+2’) scored a late goal for Boston, but the League Two side’s earlier strikes underlined the need for defensive solidity.
  • Saturday, July 26, 2025: Peterborough Sports 1-0 Boston United (A). A tight loss to the National League North side, with Boston struggling to convert chances.
  • Tuesday, July 29, 2025: Cleethorpes Town 2-2 Boston United (A). A late rally secured a draw, showing fight but also defensive lapses.
  • Saturday, August 2, 2025: Boston United vs Sheffield United U21 (H), 13:00 BST. The final pre-season match against a Premier League youth side offers a chance to build momentum before the season opener.

The pre-season record (1 win, 2 draws, 3 losses) reflects a challenging preparation, with 7 goals scored and 8 conceded across six games. Manni Norkett’s stoppage-time goal against Grimsby Town highlights attacking promise, but defensive consistency remains a focus. The Sheffield United U21 match, scheduled for Saturday 2nd August, will be crucial for fine-tuning Coughlan’s tactics.

Squad Analysis Key Players

  • Manni Norkett (Centre-Forward): The 20-year-old signing from Nottingham Forest U21 scored a stoppage-time goal against Grimsby Town, highlighting his potential as a dynamic striker.
  • Lenell John-Lewis (Centre-Forward): The 36-year-old from York City brings National League experience and composure to the attack.
  • Sam Osborne (Winger): His pace and creativity on the flanks add flair to Boston’s attack.
  • Greg Sloggett (Central Midfield): The 29-year-old Irishman, signed from Hartlepool United, offers midfield energy and vision.

New Signings

Boston United have rebuilt their squad with a mix of experience, youth, and National League know-how under Coughlan’s guidance:

  • Manni Norkett (Centre-Forward): A 20-year-old from Nottingham Forest U21, Norkett’s late goal against Grimsby Town shows his promise.
  • Lenell John-Lewis (Centre-Forward): Joined from York City, the 36-year-old’s experience adds firepower.
  • Greg Sloggett (Central Midfield): Signed from Hartlepool United, the 29-year-old Irish midfielder brings tenacity and creativity.
  • Rhys Lovett (Goalkeeper): The 28-year-old from Welling United provides reliability in goal, with a strong showing against Peterborough United.
  • Jordan Cropper (Right-Back): A 25-year-old from Barnet, Cropper brings defensive stability and National League experience.
  • Liam Waldock (Central Midfield): The 24-year-old from Alfreton Town adds depth and work rate to midfield.
  • Bobby Jones (Goalkeeper): A 23-year-old Irishman from Curzon Ashton, Jones offers competition for Lovett.
  • Arjan Raikhy (Central Midfield): The 22-year-old from Leicester City U21 brings technical ability and flair.
  • Michael Kelly (Left-Back): A 27-year-old Scot from Scunthorpe United, Kelly strengthens the defence.
  • Kieren Donnelly (Centre-Forward): The 24-year-old from Halesowen Town provides attacking depth.
  • Alex Lankshear (Centre-Back): A 22-year-old from Blackpool FC U21, Lankshear adds youth and potential to the backline.
  • Ben Grist (Centre-Back): The 20-year-old from Leicester City U21 offers defensive depth and promise.
  • Rocco Coyle (Midfielder): An 18-year-old on loan from Hull City U21, Coyle brings youthful energy to midfield.

Departures

Boston United underwent a major squad overhaul to prepare for the National League:

  • Michael Bostwick (Centre-Back): Moved to St Albans City, aged 37.
  • Adam Marriott (Centre-Forward): Joined King’s Lynn Town, aged 34.
  • Cameron Green (Left-Back): Signed for Solihull Moors, aged 26.
  • Brad Nicholson (Centre-Back): Also joined Solihull Moors, aged 26.
  • Cameron Gregory (Goalkeeper): Moved to Brackley Town, aged 25.
  • Keaton Ward (Central Midfield): Transferred to Altrincham FC, aged 25.
  • Mitchell Roberts (Centre-Back): Signed for Hereford FC, aged 24.
  • Tom Leak (Centre-Back): Joined Chester FC, aged 24.
  • Jai Rowe (Right-Back): Moved to Raith Rovers, aged 23.
  • Olly Green (Defensive Midfield): Loaned to Spennymoor Town, aged 22.
  • Kieran Coates (Right-Back): Released and currently without a club, aged 23.
  • Rocco Coyle (Midfielder): Returned to Hull City U21 after a previous loan, with a new loan until January 1, 2026, aged 18.

Managerial Outlook

Graham Coughlan, appointed in November 2024, brings extensive EFL experience from Bristol Rovers, Mansfield Town, and Newport County. His remarkable turnaround last season, guiding Boston from 12 points adrift to a 19th-place finish with 11 wins in their final 18 games, earned him the National League Manager of the Month award for March 2025. Known for his 3-5-2 formation and defensive resilience, Coughlan has rebuilt the squad with veterans like John-Lewis and young talents like Norkett. His ability to inspire and connect with fans will be pivotal in the National League’s demanding schedule.

Expectations for 2025-26

Boston United’s scheduled season opener against Morecambe at home on August 9, 2025, has been postponed due to Morecambe’s suspension from the National League for failing to meet financial compliance rules. As a result, Boston’s first match is now set for Saturday, August 16, 2025, away against Aldershot Town at 15:00 BST. Aldershot, who finished the 2024-25 National League season with 65 points (17 wins, 14 draws, 15 losses), are a competitive side, but their mid-table form offers Boston an opportunity to start strongly. Following their 19th-place finish in 2024-25, a solid mid-table finish (10th–14th) is a realistic goal, but with Norkett and John-Lewis’s goals, Osborne’s flair, and Coughlan’s tactical acumen, a play-off push (top 7) is possible if the new defense, led by Lankshear and Grist, gels quickly. The pre-season, despite mixed results, has provided valuable tests, setting Boston United up for a competitive campaign.

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