Farewell, York Street!

York Street, Boston United - the place where a certain Steve Evans carved out his reputation (in more ways than one) and a former Football League venue which will host it's final game this weekend as the Pilgrims entertain Altrincham in the National League North Play-Off Final.

Although Boston fans will have their own special memories of the ground, it's somewhere that will also be remembered fondly by Doncaster Rovers supporters, too, as it was where they celebrated becoming Division Three Champions in May 2004.

The game wasn't a classic, far from it, but the sterile 0-0 draw was enough to earn silverware ahead of big spending Hull City, and make it back-to-back promotions.

My abiding memories of the day were talking to several Rovers fans who'd bought tickets in the home sections because the away end sold out within a matter of hours of going on sale. On the pitch, after the 'Guard Of Honour' provided by Evans and his team in respect for Rovers' achievements, there was a minutes silence, before Tim Ryan was left sporting a bandaged head following an aerial collision with an opponent. It was nervy and tense in the closing stages as it became apparent that a point would be enough to secure the title, but the full-time whistle sparked the celebrations.

My only other visit to York Street was an FA Cup Second Round tie in December 2005; a clash which saw Dave Mulligan score two free-kicks to put DRFC into the Third Round and earn himself the 'Player of the Round' accolade. Sadly, despite my extensive efforts in trying to unearth it, footage of that game is yet to emerge.

Rovers did also play their twice in the Nationwide Conference in the early 2000s - including a 2-2 draw only a few days before the 9/11 terrorist atrocities, in a game which saw Daryl Clare score twice in injury-time to snatch the Pilgrims a point from seemingly nowhere.

So farewell, York Street, and here are photos and press clippings which I've cobbled together from that memorable title-clinching day, 16 years ago...

A montage from the day!

Report of the 0-0 draw which featured in the following week's programme.

Andy Warrington makes a save (Photo: Unknown).

A young Paul Green and John McGrath celebrate (Photo: Unknown).

Bandaged up but battling on (Photo: Unknown).

Tim Ryan goes for a long shot before his head was bandaged.

Micky Walker and Mark Albrighton take in the great occasion! (Photo: Unknown).

Fist pumps for the triumph! (Photo: Unknown).

Champions! (Photo: Unknown).

Dave Penney poses for the camera with an open champagne bottle (Photo: Unknown).