Play-off dream still alive as Oxford hold Boro

Stevenage gained another point in their pursuit of the play-offs against fellow chasers Oxford United at Broadhall Way. After earning a draw away at Histon in mid-week, Graham Westley’s side returned home to host the big game of the day in the Blue Square Premier. Oxford lived up to their promise by packing out the Buildbase Stand and also utilised some empty seats in the main stand. The two form teams in the league since Christmas commenced battle in front of a busy Broadhall Way crowd.

It was an entertaining game throughout. Both teams went out with the intention to win the three points available. Boro made a couple of changes from the team that drew 0-0 at the Glassworld Stadium in mid-week. Lee Boylan returned up front in place of Callum Willock, while new loan signing Junior Mendes made his debut from the start playing on the right wing, with Andy Drury injured. Ronnie Henry also returned at right back after serving his suspension. Oxford started with James Constable up front as their main target man, with Adam Murray playing just off him. Ex Boro right back Damien Batt also started after recently signing a 2 year contract with the U’s. His return to BHW didn’t last long though as he was sent off after 23 minutes for a foul on Mitchell Cole.

Boro though didn’t make the most of their 1 man advantage and were frustrated for much of the first half. It wasn’t until the second half when a Mendes through ball found Morison who played it back for David Bridges to fire home the opener. Bridges has proved to be an inspired signing by Graham Westley since his summer move from Kettering Town. I expected him to start the season out wide, where Drury is playing now, but he has found himself suited more to a central midfield role. He’s replaced John Martin in the box to box department and is grabbing some vital goals as Stevenage push for the play-offs.

After going in front, again Boro didn’t seem to push on. GW seemed happy with just the one goal lead and Boro sat back and allowed Oxford to come back into the game when I would of been tempted to attack the 10 men further! Bridges followed up a Bostwick effort, only for it to be disallowed for offside. Bridges also got injured in the process of scoring the disallowed goal and had to be replaced by Darren Murphy. Minutes later Oxford won a penalty. Henry was adjudged to have fouled Chapman. From where I was standing it looked a harsh decision. Constable thumped in the equaliser for his 19th goal of the season. He is just one goal away from Morison now in the race to be top scorer in the BSP.

Stevenage attacked again to try and force a winner, but opposition keeper Billy Turley was in good form. In the end the points were shared and with Kidderminster also drawing, the play-off dream is still alive. Mark Yates’ side drew 0-0 at York City, where Boro visit on Tuesday night. It means Kiddy are a point clear of us with a game in hand. The two games between ourselves and Harriers will prove to be huge. Oxford and Kettering are a point further back, but the U’s have played two more games than us, while Kettering, like Kidderminster also have a game in hand on us. I think with us holding Oxford and them still to play Histon, Wrexham and Burton in the next month, we can safely say they’re out of the race. I think it’s between Kiddy, Kettering and ourselves for 5th and we now have to go to York on Tuesday and win three points. Nothing else will do.