Review of Rushden & Lewes plus McMahon latest

Sorry for the lack of updates since the turn of the new year, but here is a wrap up of what’s gone on at a busy Broadhall Way in the last 4 days or so. Boro have picked up 4 points so far in 2009 and have completed the permanent signings of Darren Murphy and Mark Roberts from Cork City and Northwich Victoria respectively. The exit door is also in full swing as Iyseden Christie has left the club after a successful loan spell at Kettering Town. Boro have received a 5 figure fee from the Poppies for his services. Daryl McMahon also looks to be leaving the club with the Abbey Stadium being the most likely destination.

Rushden (A)

I wasn’t able to make the trip to Rushden, but it sounds like another frustrating trip to Nene Park. Boro led for an hour, but were denied 3 valuable points due to a 93rd minute Sam Smith equaliser. Steve Morison, who else, put Boro in the lead with a solo effort after running from the half way line before comfortably slotting home from just inside the area. It sounds like both sides had chances to score in the second half, but Boro couldn’t add to their tally and it cost them in the end as the Diamonds got a late goal after a scramble in the area. Boro remain unbeaten, but will know what Cambridge felt like now last Sunday after being denied the 3 points late on. A photo report of the Rushden game from the rdfcfansblog can be found here.

Lewes (H)

It was a dominating performance on Saturday when Boro entertained a below par Lewes side, who quite simply are not good enough for this division. Westley again decided to stick with the same team that was held at Rushden just two days before and the team is now looking like a team that has gelled. The main reason for the recent upturn in form is because we now have a settled look in the team and everyone knows their jobs. Lewes furstrated Boro for over half an hour before Lee Boylan netted for the second home game in a row to put Boro in front. Boro doubled their lead shortly after when Steve Morison latched on to an Andy Drury long ball and curled home from just inside the area. Lewes were restricted to few chances, the best of them being a free-kick from Foreman which Day comfortably saved.

The second half was much like the first with Boro on top, but failing to convert the chances that came their way. Darren Murphy came on for his debut with 20 minutes remaining on the clock, replacing David Bridges who again impressed in the midfield. Lewes, who were struggling anyway, were reduced to 10 men late on when Josh Klein-Davies was sent off for a second bookable offence after pulling Mark Albrighton’s shirt. Eventually Steve Morison wrapped up the 3 points in the 87th minute when a cross field pass from debutant Murphy found Morison who hammered the ball past Banks.

Overall, it was a comfortable home victory to start the new year off with. Boro have picked up some important points over the new year period and now look tantalisingly close to the play-off positions. I’m sure we will see some new faces come in during the January transfer window and that could help with our push towards the end of the season.

McMahon

A thread appeared on BoroChat earlier today talking about Daryl McMahon going to Cambridge. McMahon has been transfer listed for about a month and hasn’t been seen since. I’ve always liked McMahon as he is a hardworking midfielder who is good on the ball. I’ve said before that I think he should be retained as he is a multi-functional player who can play in the middle, out wide or just behind the striker. However, it seems that relations with GW are at an all time low which isn’t surprising considering Westley’s man management skills have led to quite a few quality players to leave BHW.

I expect both Martin and McMahon to leave this January and if this story is true, which I think it is, then Cambridge are getting themselves a class player. I’m actually surprised that Boro are allowing him to move to a rival like Cambridge where he could help them cement their play-off position further. Still Westley knows what he is doing………doesn’t he?