Sheffield United loanee Sai Sashdev scored his first goal for Boston United but it came in a narrow 3-2 home defeat to Hornchurch this week. The 23-year-old defender believes the Pilgrims have the ability to be excellent in the National League despite the setback.
Boston United had taken a 2-1 lead into halftime thanks to goals from Sashdev and striker Ken Aboh, the latter coming after a Jake Rooney own goal had briefly levelled the score for the visitors. Sashdev restored the lead within two minutes of that equaliser. The team's first-half display was impressive, but Hornchurch took control after the break. The Pilgrims held on until the 80th minute when Aaron Rowe scored, before Bobby Kelman netted the winner for Hornchurch just seven minutes later.
This loss follows a 2-1 defeat away to Boreham Wood just days earlier, meaning Boston United have now lost their last two matches. Their recent form over the last five games reads three wins and two losses. Despite this dip, the club finished the 2025 National League season in a solid 12th place, accumulating 59 points from 46 games with a record of 15 wins, 14 draws and 17 defeats. Their final run of form last season was strong, ending with a sequence of WWDWD.
Speaking after netting his maiden goal for the club, Sashdev focused on the team's potential. "We have the ability to be excellent in this league," the defender stated. He also identified an area for immediate improvement, adding, "It's no good just doing it for 45 minutes, we have to stay on top for the full 90 and get the three points ultimately." His goal and performance will be a positive for manager Craig Elliott to consider as he plans for the next fixture.
The Pilgrims will need to regroup quickly ahead of their next National League fixture, which is a home match against 15th-placed Wealdstone on September 12. The team's overall goal difference from the 2025 season was minus four, having scored 63 and conceded 67. Finding greater defensive solidity will be key as they look to bounce back. Fans can check the full schedule leading up to that game on the club's fixtures page.
While the two recent defeats are a disappointment, the context of a strong finish to last season and four wins from their last five games overall suggests the team has a good foundation. They ended the 2025 campaign a considerable 49 points behind champions York. The focus now turns to preparing for the visit of Wealdstone, with Elliott likely to assess his options from the current squad. The next match at York Street presents a clear opportunity to return to winning ways.
