Football: GAZZA ON AS PILGRIM

PAUL GASCOIGNE made his long awaited debut for Boston, but failed to save them from defeat.

The former Newcastle, Spurs, Lazio and England legend came on for Courtney Pitt with nine minutes remaining, but could not inspire his Pilgrims side, with Cheltenham clinging on to a one goal-lead thanks to James Victory who scored just before the hour mark.

Victory nodded in a David Bird left-wing cross for the only goal of the game.

The win was thoroughly deserved as Town dominated possession and wasted a number of good chances, with former Forest Green hitman Kayode Odejayi the main culprit.

He went close in the 70th minute with a stinging shot from close range which was tipped around the post by Nathan Abbey.

Earlier, Martin Devaney also went close with a right-foot effort which was blocked by Greg Strong. In a tetchy affair, sprinkled with free kicks and six bookings, Cheltenham held the upper hand.

Boston struggled to put together any decent chances, although Simon Rusk had a decent effort pushed wide by Shane Higgs in the 65th minute.

Five minutes later, he had another effort saved by in-form Higgs.

At the other end, Bird unleashed a blistering drive from the edge of the 18-yard area which forced a fine save by Abbey.

Boston manager Steve Evans, rapidly running out of time, threw on Gascoigne along with Martin Carruthers as he tried to engineer an equaliser, but his tactics proved fruitless.

Indeed, it was Cheltenham who came closest to adding a second goal with Devaney's inswinging corner being hacked clear by Pilgrims skipper Tom Bennett.

The Robins then replaced John Melligan with summer signing Graham Ward as they tried to close the game out.

Boston piled forward in the final few seconds, with on-loan striker Zema Abbey and dangerman Simon Rusk coming close, but Cheltenham hung on.

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