The form guide suggested Pools might be in for a long afternoon and the Pilgrims arrived at the Prestige Group Stadium on a run of five consecutive away wins, but the hosts dominated the majority of the contest to ease their growing relegation fears. It was an important win for all sorts of reasons and one that meant a lot to head coach Anthony Limbrick, who has been under pressure following a challenging start to life in the dugout while also being made to contend with a host of questions about off-field uncertainty after the sudden resignation of chairman Raj Singh last week.
For 90 minutes at least, Pools put some of their worries aside with a dominant performance that all but secures their National League status for another season. The hosts made the perfect start and went in front after just four minutes when Gary Madine ended a run of seven games without a goal but were pegged back in the 20th minute when former Darlington frontman Jacob Hazel scored for the eighth time in 13 matches. Mani Dieseruvwe fired Pools back into the lead four minutes later, his 14th goal of the campaign, before second half strikes from Reyes Cleary, who was unplayable at times, and the impressive Jamie Miley made sure of the result. Here's a look at how the Pools players rated.
5. Louis Stephenson: 8
The way he goes about things is so infectious. Still has a lot to learn and is not always the most positionally aware or savvy, but his passion, pride in the shirt and seemingly unending energy more than make up for it. Has shown real strength of character to bounce back following a frustrating season which was compounded when he missed from close range on his first appearance in almost six months against Maidenhead. Anthony Limbrick deserves credit for his handling of him, but the teenager has shown considerable courage. Got up and down the right flank well and looks to be improving physically. Has the potential to be a big part of the club's future. Photo: Frank Reid
6. Jamie Miley: 9
Brilliant. Grew in confidence and was running the show by the end of the first half. Is positive whenever he gets the ball but doesn't pass forward simply for the sake of it. Has impressive vision, can see a pass and looks to be a step ahead at times. Is full of energy and while he isn't the biggest, he's competitive and puts himself about well. One or two loose passes, but those were when he was looking to unlock the Boston defence. Other than that, hardly ever gave the ball away and was the heartbeat of an impressive performance. Looks to have a little bit of swagger but also the grit needed to succeed at this level. Took his goal well and deserved to get on the scoresheet. A proud week for the Miley family after Lewis lifted the League Cup with Newcastle last Sunday. Photo: Frank Reid
7. Nathan Sheron: 7
Looks as energetic as he did in August despite having played almost every minute of every game, barring a two-match suspension last month. Does a lot of the dirty work to allow others, like Jamie Miley, to shine and is beginning to form a good partnership with the former Newcastle youngster. Won his fair share of challenges and rarely gave Boston a moment of breathing space whenever they had the ball. Photo: FRANK REID
8. Reyes Cleary: 9
Looked unplayable at times. Tried to get at his full-back at every opportunity and is one of those players that gets fans off their seats. Scored his third Pools goal with a cool finish in the second half, setting himself well before bending an effort into the bottom corner. Had a hand in Gary Madine's opener and created a number of other chances, picking out Anthony Mancini with an incisive through ball in the first half and causing constant problems with his driving runs and dangerous crosses. Might have had another goal and flashed an effort wide just before half time, although it looked like a decent effort. Boston didn't seem to know how to get a handle on him and there was genuine panic among the Pilgrims back line whenever he had the ball at his feet. Equally important, he seems to understand what it means to represent the team and the town, has formed a close bond with the fans, works his socks off and does his defensive work diligently and without complaint. Could have a big future. Photo: FRANK REID