Report: Pilgrims deny Reds first win of the season

Amari Morgan-Smith's first half penalty was cancelled out by Jake Wright's second half finish as the Reds were denied a first three points of the season and a home win on Tuesday night.

Amari was brought down in the box and dusted himself off to convert the penalty emphatically after an excellent 20 minute period of pressure for the Reds in the first half. However an error of judgement from Jack Atkinson in the box allowed the ball to bounce past him as Wright nipped in front of him to finish into the empty net via the post.

The game started with Boston on top and stringing the ball around well on the pitch surface. Defending came thick and fast for the Reds with Ryan Qualter having to be alert to clear dangerous crosses.

A Reds corner was cleared which led to Wright bearing down on goal on the counter, he won a corner which Rollins took, but the header was glanced wide at the far post. Thewlis then curled wide of the far corner after an inch perfect pass slid him in.

Crook in the Boston goal tipped a Danny East free kick over the bar before successive corners and pressure were dealt with as Alfreton grew into the half. Free kicks continued for us with East's deliveries causing issues but there was no breakthrough yet.

Atkinson produced a stunning save to deny Rollins as he shifted to his right but managed to get a strong left hand on the rising shot. Then with 37 gone, Morgan-Smith was clipped in the box and he stepped up to convert and give us the lead and a first goal of the season.

Late chances came for both sides with Rollins fierce shot going just over before Crook denied Amari again with a low reflex save after the cross from Josh Wilde.

The second half nearly saw us double the lead within three minutes as Crook palmed away Dom Smith's effort from a few yards out following a corner.

Wright's acrobatic effort was saved by Atkinson before Danny Clarke fired wide after running onto a loose ball in behind. But with 61 gone, a long ball bounced and deceived Atkinson who let the ball bounce across him and Wright raced on to finish into the empty net via the post.

The Pilgrims would boss the final stages as we soaked up pressure and the attacking side of play grounded to a halt and we settled for a point, although the Reds will feel they should have had all three.

ATFCXI: Atkinson, Clackstone (Blake 88), Wilde (c), Lynch, Smith, Qualter, Thacker, Whitham (Johnson HT), Clarke, Morgan-Smith, East.

Subs Not Used: Tomlinson, Killock, Bacon.

Referee: Scott Tallis
Attendance: 633