There was widespread optimism among Boston fans in the summer following the arrivals of a long list of new signings, including former Premiership stars Julian Joachim and Noel Whelan. But, as yet, Steve Evans' side have yet to fire on all cylinders and find themselves in 20th place in the League Two standings. This weekend the Lincolnshire outfit host runaway leaders Grimsby and, despite their indifferent start, Evans and his players can take heart from the fact that they have yet to taste defeat at home this season. Givemefootball's Mark Shail caught up with goalkeeper Nathan Abbey to discuss the Pilgrims' somewhat slow progress so far this term.
Q:IS IT FAIR TO SAY IT'S BEEN A DIFFICULT START TO THE CAMPAIGN?
A:Yes, we've had a slow start and not got the results we were looking for and because of that we're at the wrong end of the table. We need to start picking up a few wins as soon as possible.
Q:WHAT HAS BEEN THE MAIN PROBLEM THUS FAR?
A:The major problem is that we have conceded too may goals, and I think all but one of those goals we've let in have been down to individual mistakes. You can work as long as you like on the training ground on your defending, but sometimes it's just impossible to legislate for individual errors.
Q:THERE ARE A NUMBER OF NEW PLAYERS AT THE CLUB, HAVE THEY TAKEN A LITTLE TIME TO SETTLE IN?
A:No I wouldn't say that, the players that have come in have done well, it's just that we have been gifting the opposition too many chances through our own mistakes. If we can eradicate that, I'm sure you'll see a vast improvement in our results.
Q:HAS YOUR SLOW START MADE THE CLUB ADJUST THEIR TARGETS THIS SEASON?
A:No I don't think so, because it’s still very much early days. There’s still a long way to go and in this league, unlike some of the other divisions, the top teams are capable of losing to the bottom sides and vice verse. If we can get a couple of wins on the bounce it will change things dramatically. A top six finish was our target at the start of the season and that hasn't changed.
Q:WHICH OTHER SIDES DO YOU EXPECT TO BE UP THERE CHALLENGING COME THE END OF THE SEASON?
A:Like us, Macclesfield haven't had the greatest of starts but I'm sure their results will improve as the season goes on. At the moment, the strongest teams appear to be Grimsby, Notts County and Wycombe and it will be interesting if they sustain their good form. Northampton are another side that I certainly wouldn't rule out.
Q:HAVE YOU BEEN PLEASED WITH YOUR FORM SO FAR?
A:Overall, I've been pleased with the way I've been playing. I conceded a bad goal against Bury last Saturday, which was down to me, but other than that I don't think I could have done any more to have stopped any of the others going in.
Q:AS A KEEPER, DOES IT FRUSTRATE TOU WHEN THE TEAM CONCEEDS SLOPPY GOALS?
A:Definitely, because, first and foremost, as a keeper you pride yourself on not conceding many goals, and trying to keep clean sheets. I take it very personally. Obviously I want to play my part in the team being hard to beat, week in week out, that's why our start has been so frustrating.
