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.
9. Anthony Mancini: 9
Offers something that no other Pools player can. Is a uniquely talented footballer who could play at a higher level if his body will allow him to. Almost scored when he lobbed Cameron Gregory and created chances with a number of incisive passes and deft flicks. Was somehow denied in the second half by an acrobatic combination of Gregory and Brad Nicholson. He is an absolute joy to watch; sees the bigger picture, tries to make things happen and moves so gracefully. Started to tire in the second half and went through a spell when he was holding his groin and glancing nervously over to the Pools bench but rallied and produced a couple of mazy runs before he was taken off to a standing ovation. Provides Pools with some sparkling je ne sais quoi. Photo: Frank Reid
10. Mani Dieseruvwe: 8
Took his goal well and was influential throughout. Seems bizarre that he has come in for considerable criticism this season despite scoring 14 goals and has probably been a victim of his own success last term. Fired an effort wide of the near post after an incisive reverse pass by Anthony Mancini but made no mistakes moments later as he ended a run of four games without a goal. Looked destined to score a second late on but was denied by a remarkable save from the impressive Cameron Gregory. Showed impressive presence of mind after the ball fell back to him to pick out Jamie Miley in space as the former Newcastle midfielder added his side's fourth. Occupied the Boston back line all afternoon and defended well from corners, free-kicks and long throws. Photo: Frank Reid
11. Gary Madine: 8
Took his goal well from a tight angle and was influential all afternoon. Linked the play well and dominated in the air, winning almost all his flick-ons and creating a host of chances thanks to his intelligent play. Missed one good opportunity eight minutes into the second half when he headed over from close range but Boston looked like they couldn't live with his movement, skill and composure. After a slow start to his Pools career, has rolled back the years and turned into an excellent signing. Photo: Frank Reid
12. Nicky Featherstone: 7
Added some composure after his introduction and kept the ball well. Photo: Frank Reid