IT'S MISSION IMPOSSIBLE COMPLETED

COUGHLAN HAILS 'MIRACLE', AS PILGRIMS STAY UP

- By SAM ALLEN

GRAHAM Coughlan commended the players and fans for their efforts as Boston United completed the great escape, securing their National League status for next season.

The Pilgrims beat play-off chasers Gateshead 2-1 at home - their tenth victory in their last 15 games to secure safety with a match to spare and complete the unlikeliest of revivals from what seemed like an unrecoverable position earlier in the season.

Keaton Ward, making his 100th appearance for the club, opened the scoring with aplomb in the 10th minute, and although Luke Hannant equalised six minutes later, substitute James Gale won it for the Pilgrims 10 minutes before the break.

Gateshead's Kenton Richardson went close with two late headers, but United held on to spark jubilation amid another bumper home attendance.