Boston United edge battle with the Badgers
The Pilgrims triumphed 2-1 at Cannon Park to close to within a point of leaders Bradford Park Avenue.
Danny Sleath headed the visitors into a 30th minute lead before Chris Bettney's free-kick hauled the Badgers level three minutes before half-time.
Pearson headed home Sleath's corner six minutes into the second half to edge an ill-tempered contest, which ended with both sides having to be separated following a post-match flare-up.
"It could be a massive win for us," declared Pearson, whose winner was disputed by the home side, who felt keeper James Lindley had been fouled.
"We are getting more and more confident with every game.
"For my goal, Sleathy put a great ball in and I managed to get my head to it.
"The Retford lads thought the keeper had been fouled, but it wasn't me who fouled him."
With Boston second and Retford third prior to kick off, no one needed to remind the two sides of the importance of the match.
The Pilgrims made three changes to the side which triumphed 4-1 at rock-bottom Durham three days earlier.
Danny Davidson, Marc Newsham and Pearson, who were rested against Durham, returned to the starting line-up with Mikel Suarez, Jamie Yates and James Cullingworth dropping to the bench.
There were two familiar faces in the Retford line-up, Paul Ellender and Lee Thompson, who were firm fans favourites during their days at York Street.
The Badgers are also managed by another ex-Pilgrim, Peter Duffield.
The hosts made the brighter start with dangerous striker Neil Harvey going close twice, first volleying straight at Tom Evans after outpacing Lee Canoville and then firing over from the edge of the box.
When Boston finally awoke from their slumbers, Anthony Church headed Davidson's flick-on just over the top.
As you would expect with so much at stake, some robust tackles were flying in from both sides.
And, predictably, Ellender was in the thick of the midfield action. But he could do little to prevent the impressive Davidson charging down the right and winning a free-kick in the dangerous position.
Ryan Semple took the set-piece, which was headed over the top by Pearson, who should have hit the target.
The Pilgrims' best spell of the half was finally rewarded when they took a 30th-minute lead.
Once Spencer Weir-Daley brought a bobbling ball under his spell, his pinpoint cross was met by the on-rushing Sleath, one of the smallest players on the pitch, who headed home to delight of the travelling supporters.
However, their team's lead lasted just 12 minutes. Canoville earned a booking for chopping down Darryl Thomas and from the resulting free-kick, Bettney fired the ball over the wall and past a diving Evans.
But the Pilgrims were back in front six minutes into the second half with what proved to be the winner.
However, the goal was mired in controversy with Retford claiming Anthony Church had impeded Lindley, who was booked for his protests.
Retford pressed for an equaliser but created few clear-cut chances.
The final whistle was followed by an ugly scuffle between both teams.
However, Boston were eventually able to celebrate with their fans.
Danny Sleath scored Boston's opener at Retford.
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