Leicester 3-0 Boro

So the FA Cup dream is over for another year after Leicester comfortably progressed into the 2nd round of the competition beating Stevenage by 3 goals to nil. Graham Westley decided to stick with the core of the team that grinded out a 1-0 victory away at Woking last weekend, only replacing Callum Willock with Andy Drury who played in a 5 man midfield. I don’t quite understand why GW insists on playing Bostwick at right back and Anaclet at left back. The team has no balance and that was highlighted yesterday.

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson opted for Matt Fryatt and Steve Howard in attack, leaving DJ Campbell and Boro legend Barry Hayles on the bench. Campbell came on in the latter stages, but the most we saw of Hayles was a wave while the 1,100 Boro fans sang his name. It was a shame not to see him play against his former side.

Boro started the game the stronger and the midfield, in particular Lawrie Wilson, were doing well to close down their league opponents and try to force errors. It was actually Boro who had the first real chance when an Eddie Anaclet through ball found Steve Morison, but the ex Northampton striker’s shot went inches wide. It was a big chance for Boro and if it had gone in then it could have changed the game massively. To be fair that chance seemed to kick Leicester into action and although they didn’t attack well in the first half they began to keep possession of the ball better.

City hadn’t really troubled Chris Day in the opening 40 minutes, but with their first real chance they scored. A good run and cross by Fryatt found Lloyd Dyer and he slotted the ball past Day to give the Foxes the lead. Seeing the goal again on the ITV highlights this morning, Day could have done better with the shot, but Anaclet should have just stood up instead of diving in all the time when trying to prevent the cross. Leicester went into the break with the lead, although Boro had arguably been the better side.

After half-time, the first 10-15 minutes would be crucial if Boro had any hope of getting back into the game. Unfortunately though it was Leicester who took advantage and Matt Fryatt hit a shot that Day got a hand to, but couldn’t keep it out. Before the goal, City had two chances which Boro’s number 1 did well to save. Leicester now had a two goal advantage and were in total control. It was damage limitation time for Stevenage and you could sense after the second goal went in that the players knew that too. Andy King hit the 3rd for Leicester with a superb curling shot with the outside of his foot. Day had no chance with that one. Leicester did have another chance to make it 4-0, but Fryatt’s shot went wide after Day and Henry had a mix up at the edge of the Boro area.

Boro rallied towards the end and Cole and Morison both had chances to score a consolation, but the finishing just wasn’t good enough to trouble Henderson in the City goal. Overall, it was a good day out and it was great to see 1,100+ fans make the trip up. Yesterday showed the potential of the club and I just wish these fans would make the effort to support Boro home and away more often, it really isn’t that bad!

Next up for us is a home game against Northwich Victoria who have just appointed Steve King as the replacement for Dino Maamria who has gone to South Africa. A win is needed to keep Boro’s push up the table going.