The season so far…..Part 1

We are just under a fifth of the way through the season and it’s already been a rollercoaster ride. New manager Graham Westley was in his second spell in charge of the club and had assembled a strong squad. After a good pre-season, expectations were high and the “buzz” was back at Broadhall Way.  That good feeling though had soon disappeared after an opening day hammering at Wrexham. Boro matched their hosts for an hour before Steve Morison was sent off and after that the game became a very one-sided affair. Goals from Tom Kearney, Jefferson Louis, Shaun Whalley, Christian Smith and Marc Williams gave the Welsh side a 5-0 victory. A heavy defeat, individual mistakes, a scrap between new Captain Albrighton and Mills and the sending off of our star striker was not the best start to the new campaign.

Boro needed to bounce back after the defeat at Wrexham and couldn’t have asked for a nicer game to have next. Newly promoted Eastbourne Boro were the first visitors to Broadhall Way and they shocked Boro as they took an early 2-0 lead. Boro didn’t react and although Andy Drury scored with a free-kick, Eastbourne scored again early in the second half after more poor defending and won the game comfortably in the end, 3-1. Not the start that Graham Westley was after. Boro had conceded 8 goals in their opening 2 games, scoring just once from a set-piece. The goals being conceded so far had been down to individual mistakes, mainly from Mark Albrighton, Ashley Bayes and Ronnie Henry. Changes were made for the next game at home to Weymouth.

Luke Oliver replaced the under fire Albrighton who had also relinquished the captaincy to Ronnie Henry. Daryl McMahon and Callum Willock also came back into the team for the visit of John Hollins’ Weymouth. Boro’s first half performance was better and they took the lead through Willock who went through on goal before finishing well. Boro though conceded just minutes later when Michael Malcolm’s deflected shot found its way into Ashley Bayes’ net. Weymouth had got their goal and now set their stall out to defend their point. They did that very professionally and frustrated Boro for the rest of the afternoon. Boro defended better, but lacked a cutting edge up top. Steve Morison’s absence was beginning to show.

Next up for Boro was a trip to FA Trophy holders Ebbsfleet. The trip to Stonebridge Road is never an easy trip, but was made even harder with the squad hit quite severely by injuries, illness and suspension. Trialist Chris Nurse and youngster Dayo Junaid were drafted in to make up the squad of 16. Mark Albrighton returned to the side at right back replacing Eddie Anaclet. Anthony Thomas was partnered up front with Iyseden Christie with Boylan and Morison both unavailable and summer signing Craig Westcarr now mysteriously back at Kettering. Boro put in their worst performance for several years and were soundly beaten 4-0. John Akinde, who had come on as a first half substitute for the injured Ricky Shakes, outclassed the poor Boro defence. He was a class above throughout, scoring 1 and setting up two others. No wonder he has now moved on to Bristol City. Boro had one shot which was high and wide and that summed up their afternoon.

A home game against Crawley on Bank Holiday Monday followed. Steve Evans’ team had made a good start to the season, but Boro needed a response after the shambles in Kent. They performed much better and took a deserved lead thanks to Mitchell Cole. Boro missed other chances as they aimed to kill off the game, but again lacked that finish. A few additions to the team had made a big difference. Chris Day had replaced Ashley Bayes who had made a poor start to his career as Boro’s No 1. Peter Vincenti also came in to the team and gave the midfield more bite. He gave a link between the midfield and attack which was lacking in the previous 4 games. Again Boro were good in the first half, but were lacking in the second. Crawley equalised late on through Glenn Wilson and then settled for a point. 5 games played, 3 defeats, 2 draws. Only not bottom because of Woking’s poor start.

Boro finally got their first win after beating Barrow at Holker Street. Boro put in a good professional performance after going 1-0 down. Goals from Willock, Laird and Lawrie Wilson gave the visitors 3 valuable points. Boro had began to show a bit more bite in attack and the signing of Chris Day had seemed to organise the defence. After a superb victory at Barrow, Boro slumped to a “derby” defeat away at Kettering. The hosts got the early goal through Chris Beardsley and put in a very efficient, organised display to win 1-0. Westley’s side hadn’t played that badly, but again didn’t take their chances and ended up losing for the 4th time this season.

The home game against an injury hit Burton Albion was a good opportunity for Boro to get back to winning ways. At the pre-match 20-20 meeting with the fans, Westley explained that they would be looking to exploit Burton’s left side and get off to an early start. That they did. Lawrie Wilson’s cross from the right found Boylan who volleyed in. Morison then opened his account with a “lucky” goal after he closed down Poole. That gave him confidence and he scored 2 more to complete his hat-trick and earn Boro a well deserved 4-1 victory. Boro had finally put in a complete performance. Next up at BHW was Altrincham. Westley and Boro were looking for a repeat performance from last weeks’ win over Burton. Morison (2) and a goal from Mitchell Cole gave Boro a comfortable win over their inferior opponents.

Overall, Boro have shown promise in their recent performances, but still have a lot of things to work on if they are to live up to their pre-season expectations of promotion. Defensively we still look uncertain, although Chris Day’s presence has improved the recent performances at the back. Steve Morison’s return to form has been a big bonus for the side and they are now looking like a threat going forward. John Martin’s recent inclusion has made a big difference to the side. He gives the midfield more balance and creativity. If things continue to improve as they have done recently and we can keep a settled side then the play-offs may still be on the cards this season.