Can Mark Roberts get us into the Football League?

Mark Roberts and his then Northwich side cost Boro 2 points back in November in a 1-1 draw which began a poor run of results throughout the month. Since that month though, Boro haven’t lost in the Blue Square Premier and Roberts is yet to lose to game since his debut at home to Wrexham. His move to Broadhall Way is proving to be a masterstroke and as well as his commanding performances at the back, Roberts is also making an impact at the other end, scoring vital goals as Stevenage push for the play-offs. The latest being a 58th minute winner away at former club Northwich Victoria, a game which Boro were reduced to playing with just 10 men for over an hour.

Since his move in November, Boro have lost just 1 league game, that being on his debut against Wrexham. He has made the defence more solid and organised. Stevenage are now a lot harder to break down and a lot of that is down to the ex Accrington man. Boro have conceded just 11 goals in the 16 league games that Roberts has played in. A massive difference to the team that was letting in goals for fun in the early months of the season. In fact Boro conceded 13 goals in their first 4 games this season.

Roberts’ goal means Boro have got another vital away win in their quest for promotion and continues their unbeaten run in 2009. They didn’t play well against Forest Green, but dug deep to earn a point. You can’t always play the nice football and win all the time and although this team is beginning to show it can do that, it is also grinding out results when maybe they are not deserved. This is why I’m beginning to think maybe, just maybe promotion is a realistic goal now. It needs an unbeaten run until the end of the season and some wins against teams around us, but I think now it can be done.

Boro now have a break from league action until they travel to play Histon on the 24th March. Two legs against Ebbsfleet United await in the semi-finals of the FA Trophy before that and both teams will be well up for a return to Wembley.