Boston United suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat to Hornchurch in a high-scoring pre-season friendly this week. The Pilgrims led at the break but conceded twice in the final ten minutes to lose the match.
The game saw Boston United field a 3-4-2-1 formation against Hornchurch's 4-3-3. Ken Aboh opened the scoring in the 35th minute, finishing from a Terrell Agyemang assist. The lead was quickly doubled before half-time, with an own goal from Hornchurch's Jake Rooney in the 41st minute followed by Sai Sachdev's strike just two minutes later.
Hornchurch made tactical changes at half-time which shifted the momentum. Substitute Aaron Rowe, who had a previous loan spell at York Street in 2019, pulled a goal back in the 80th minute. Bobby Kelman, another substitute, then completed the turnaround by scoring the winner just three minutes from time. Boston United goalkeeper Louis Chadwick was busy, making key saves with his feet to deny Rowe and a later effort from Kelman.
The home side created several opportunities to extend their lead. Tom Cursons had a goal ruled out for offside and later struck the crossbar. Midfielder Gavan Holohan forced Hornchurch keeper Arthur Nasta into a decent save and saw another powerful effort brilliantly kept out in stoppage time. The Pilgrims' final fixtures before the new season will be important for sharpening this finishing.
This match serves as preparation for the 2026-27 season, following a 2025 campaign where Boston United finished 12th in the England National League. They accrued 59 points from 46 games, with a record of 15 wins, 14 draws and 17 losses. Their goal difference was minus four, having scored 63 and conceded 67 across the season. The full standings from that campaign show they ended up 49 points behind champions York.
Managerial changes were made throughout the match, with Connor Teale and Lewis Shipley making way for Jack Holmes and Kai Mauro in the 88th minute. Forwards Ken Aboh and Tom Cursons were also substituted, replaced by Connor McBride and Lenell John-Lewis. The attendance at York Street was 2,047, including 119 travelling supporters. Referee Jamie O'Connor oversaw the contest. The club's current squad lists all players involved in the match.
