PAUL HURST admits he can't wait to return to the green, green of home tomorrow when Boston United begin the biggest week of their season so far.

The Pilgrims maintained their cracking start last weekend by grinding out a goal-less draw at Corby.

That game will not remain long in the memory bank, with the rock-hard surface at the Corby's Rockingham Triangle ground making good football virtually impossible. Hurst's fellow joint-manager Rob Scott described the pitch as horrendous.

However, the Pilgrims will have no such problems tomorrow on a York Street surface, maintained by groundsman Nobby Croston, who is regarded as one of the best in non-league football.

Second-placed Workington are the visitors to Boston, who visit early leaders Alfreton seven days later.

"The pitch was very difficult last weekend," reflected Hurst. "We played some decent football at times, but it wasn't easy.

"We were pleased with how the players adapted to the conditions and it was a good point against a side most people expect to be up there.

"It will be nice to play at home tomorrow because our pitch is excellent and suits the players we have far more."

While Boston have been free-scoring away from home, as 16 goals in four games would testify, it has been a different story at York Street where visiting sides have attempted to frustrate the Pilgrims.

Nuneaton Town produced a thoroughly professional display to inflict United's sole defeat of the season so far.

But how will a Workington side, who have started the season with six wins and draw, approach tomorrow's game?

"Workinghan are a strong side who lost in the play-off semi-finals to Alfreton last season," added Hurst.

"From the reports we've had, they are a very organised team who have been together for some time.

"I'm not sure how they will set up, but I guess they would be satisfied with a point. However, knowing Darren Edmondson (their manager) I doubt they will go out to play for that.

"We've got to be able to have different game plans for different teams. We've got two big games coming up against two of the top sides, but then they're all big games."

Meanwhile, Hurst has admitted it is unlikely he and Scott will raid former club Ilkeston for talent if the Derbyshire outfit finally go out of business.

The cash-strapped Robins were wound up by the high court on Wednesday amid debts of around £50,000, although the club are appealing the decision.

Hurst is saddened by the demise of the club where he Scott began their managerial careers.

"I think there's only one player left from our time there, Amari Morgan-Smith, and it looks like he's going to Derby," added Hurst.

Ilkeston's squad, which includes ex-Pilgrims Jason Lee and Liam Green, was yesterday still waiting to find out if tomorrow's game at Redditch will go ahead. The Pilgrims were due to play the Robins on October 30 at York Street and on March 19 at the New Manor Ground.

Pilgrims: McKeown, Canoville, Pearson, Murphy, Jelleyman, Semple, Church, Sleath, Yates, Newsham, Davidson, Weir-Daley, Hunter, Cullingworth, Davies, Parker, Butcher, Clancy.