Bristol Rovers 2 Boston 0

Last updated : 13 September 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Paul Tait was the key figure as Rovers maintained their encouraging start to the season with a 2-0 home win over Boston United.

The tall striker broke the deadlock on 68 minutes, beating his marker to Wayne Carlisle's free kick and finding the top corner with a well struck effort.

Twelve minutes later substitute Carlisle was again the provider as Tait met his far post corner.

The ball was dipping under the crossbar when defender Mark Greaves appeared to get the final touch in front of Junior Agogo.

Rovers had improved in the second half after barely creating a chance before the interval.

Agogo had a 59th minute shot well saved by Paul Bastock and Lee Hodges went close with a 20 yard drive that flashed just wide.

Boston created what few clear scoring opportunities there were in an untidy first half.

A fifth minute overhead kick from Paul Ellender passed just over the crossbar and on 21 minutes new loan signing Andy White headed wide from a Simon Rusk cross.

Better chances fell to Graham Potter, whose close range header on 34 minutes lacked the power to beat Kevin Miller.

Then as half time approached Potter was put clear by White's pass only for a dreadful first touch to gift the ball to goalkeeper Miller.

Rovers' only effort of note in the opening period was a 38th minute shot from the edge of the box by Dave Savage, comfortably held by Bastock.

There was no penetration down the flanks from the home side, who relied on long balls to the head of Tait.

That changed when winger Carlisle was introduced as a 64th minute substitute for midfielder Rob Quinn, a switch that changed the game as Rovers enjoyed their best period in the final 25 minutes.

There were bookings for Rovers Graham Hyde, who had an outstanding match in midfield, and defender Christian Edwards along with Boston's Rusk.