It was back to basics for AFC Telford United as they celebrated a fine victory at the expense of one of their main promotion rivals.

Boss Andy Sinton placed his faith in the bulk of the side that got the Bucks off to such a stunning start to the season.

It meant the re-uniting of the front-line partnership between Andy Brown and Alex Meechan as well as a recall on the right side for Jon Adams.

Recent loan signings Lee Smith and Sam Gwynne had to settle for places on the bench alongside leading scorer Adam Proudlock, who had recovered from an ankle injury but deemed not ready for 90 minutes.

The minor reshuffle certainly delivered results as Telford produced a performance oozing commitment and desire.

Their work-rate was terrific, closing Boston’s players down every time they got possession and making tackles all over the park.

It meant the Lincolnshire men could never settle and grew increasingly frustrated as the afternoon wore on – especially after failing to convert a second half penalty.

The goal that proved to be the winner was a moment of real class as well, left-back Sean Newton producing a sizzling cross that just screamed to be buried.

Brown duly obliged, rising gracefully to glance a sweet header down into the right-hand corner beyond the dive of helpless keeper Dan Haystead.

That stood out as Telford’s best moment by far, though winger Greg Mills also went close with a well-struck free-kick while the impressive Alex Meechan clipped the top of the crossbar with a cute second half chip-shot.

Boston enjoyed plenty of possession and looked to attack down both flanks, with former Buck Gareth Jelleyman and youngster Jamie Yates particularly lively.

But they were foiled by Telford’s energetic cover play, the Pilgrims rarely managing to even get a cross into the danger area.

Even when presented with a gift-wrapped opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot, they were not able to seize the moment.

That big opening came 20 minutes from time when Brown threatened to erase the memory of his goal with an inexplicable handball off Yates’ corner.

The striker might have been the first half hero but he now looked set to fill the role of villain, referee Craig Grundy with no choice but to point to the penalty spot – and there were no complaints from the visitors.

His blushes were saved by goalkeeper Ryan Young, who dived right to tip Danny Sleath’s weakly struck spot-kick around the post.

A Boston goal at that stage might have seen a very different conclusion as the home side, roared on by a healthy crowd of more than 1,600 piled on the pressure.

The last 10 minutes saw the Pilgrims probe without success, Telford’s defence refusing to buckle under the strain.

Boston’s management duo if Rob Scott and Paul Hurst threw on three subs in a bid to find a way through.

Miles Hunter on the left side had some joy, though he was well-marshalled by the excellent Stuart Whitehead.

And it was the Bucks who were left to celebrate after three excruciating minutes of injury-time as they leapt from fifth to second in the Blue Square Bet North.

Defeat elsewhere for leaders Nuneaton and a draw for much-fancied Alfreton mean that it was a good day to be a Telford fan.

The race for the league title is still very much alive.

Match analysis by Chris Hudson