 However, no move materialised and Elding remained with Boston, completing the season with six league goals from twelve starts at the Pilgrims secured the Football Conference title and promotion to the Football League.Elding made his Football League debut in Boston's inaugural game at home to Bournemouth on 10 August 2002 but was stretchered off with an ankle injury.Returning to fitness he made only sporadic appearances for the first team and in February 2003 he joined Gainsborough Trinity on loan, debuting in the 1–0 home defeat to Gateshead on 8 February 2003.