Clitheroe’s FA Trophy campaign was ended for another season despite a spirited performance at Shawbridge.

Blues goalkeeper Martin Fearon was in excellent form early on, but he could not stop the Pilgrims – who were in League Two of the Football League two seasons ago – romping into an early two-goal lead.

Jon Rowan and Wes Parker were both on the scoresheet for Boston in the opening 16 minutes.

But the gutsy Blues pulled a goal back in the 28th minute when Craig Sargeson’s cross was diverted home Boston’s Martyn Margarson.

Both sides had chances early in the second-half and Clitheroe grabbed a leveller in the 58th minute when Jonathan Smith was able to side-foot the ball home as it dropped from a corner.

Now on level terms, the Blues looked the more likely to score next in the second qualifying round tie.

But instead it was Boston who went on to book their place in the next stage of the competition.

United re-took the lead in the 65th minute when Rowan swept the ball home at the back post, after Talbot had seen his initial drive parried by Fearon.

Sub Liam Parker lashed the ball home from 18 yards to wrap up victory for the visitors.