Yates' goal was his second of the season in Blue Square Bet North

Boston United joint-manager Rob Scott says the Pilgrims' fitness was crucial in their 1-0 victory over Stalybridge Celtic in Blue Square Bet North.

Jamie Yates scored the 39th-minute goal which sent Boston to the top of the table, after robbing keeper Jan Budtz and walking the ball into an empty net.

Scott told BBC Lincolnshire: "They're a full-time side but they didn't hurt us.

"We stayed patient, got bodies behind the ball, and our fitness shone through and we worked our socks off again."

Boston ended the match with 10 men after Marc Newsham was shown a second yellow card in added time.

If we hadn't come out with a win we'd have been kicking ourselves Boston joint-manager Rob Scott

Alfreton's 0-0 draw with Telford allowed the Pilgrims to go top, but they now have two fixture-free Saturdays, as a result of their FA Cup exit and the demise of Ilkeston Town.

"We're not getting carried away [with going top] but we've now got two weeks off," Scott added.

"If we hadn't come out with a win we'd have been kicking ourselves because it's a long time to wait until the next opportunity to get three points."

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