BOSTON 2, SHAKERS 2: Shakers staged a thrilling fight-back to snatch a point after Boston had raced into a two-goal lead on Saturday.

The Pilgrims made all the early running and struck twice inside the first quarter of an hour.

Andy Kirk swept in from 10 yards after Jason Lee had headed down a Danny Thomas cross before Lee burst down the left to set up Simon Rusk.

But Shakers battled back with a penalty from Tom Kennedy after Emanuele Gabrieli fouled debutant Bas Savage before Jon Newby drilled in the second.

Boston Utd: Abbey, Beevers, Gabrieli, McCann, Rusk, Noble, O'Donnell (Thompson 70), Holland, Thomas (Pitt 76), Lee, Kirk (Staff 88). Subs Not Used: Ellender, Boyack. Booked: Gabrieli, Abbey, McCann.

Shakers: Marriott, Fitzgerald, Challinor, Woodthorpe, Unsworth, Flitcroft, Harkins, Barry-Murphy, Kennedy, Savage, Newby (Kazim-Richards 83). Subs Not Used: Garner, Whaley, Moore, Cartledge. Booked: Barry-Murphy, Savage, Kazim-Richards, Flitcroft.

Attendance: 2,351

Referee: P Melin (Surrey).