Lopo’s View

After a fantastic 24 match unbeaten run it all came to a dramatic end a couple of weeks ago with defeat at Kidderminster, however bouncing back was key and last Tuesdays impressive 2-1 win against rivals Cambridge certainly showed that despite having injuries, suspensions and a terrible referee we are able to compete at the top end of the table. Since my last view we have played 12 games, winning 8, drawing 3 and losing 1 which certainly shows promotion form and has included wins against teams we have struggled against in the past. 

Defeat at Aggborough was a disappointment especially as we were 2-0 up before Darren Murphy’s red card which seemed to change the whole complexion of the game. Before that game we went 24 unbeaten which was a new club record and a  record to be proud of. We have looked a far better team since them terrible home games against Histon and Grays, where it felt like a chore to even turn up and watch!

Some spirited performances and good signings have given the club a huge lift. It’s a lift that we seem to keep using in our pursuit for play offs. Jon Ashton has settled in well, despite a couple of shaky performances. He seems to have cemented his first team place well ahead of Mark Albrighton. A lot of games have surpassed with Boro playing generally every 4 days and picking up good results in the process, However with such a tight table, poor early form could cost us dearly.

Away from the league, Boro once again find themselves at Wembley after beating Ebbsfleet in the semi final of the FA Trophy. I am very happy to be going to Wembley again. To win a domestic trophy that all non league clubs would love to get their hands on would be a big achievement. We have won every game in the FA Trophy this year and most of them have been comfortable wins against good, established teams such as Burton, Forest Green and Ebbsfleet.

Over the next month or so we have cup finals in every game we play. We are underdogs to reach the playoffs, but are far from out of it. As I write this we have games to come against Ebbsfleet and Crawley which are key as we then face our two major playoff threats, Torquay and Kidderminster. Despite injuries it was great to see John Martin back last Tuesday against Cambridge. He settled straight back in and for me was MOTM in the midfield. Gary Mills has impressed me in the two performances I saw him in against York and Cambridge. It pains me to say it after being Mills’ biggest critic during the season and I’m still not convinced he is good enough, but I hope the form he has produced recently continues.

With the player of the year award being given out at the weekend, I think there are many contenders to pick up the prize. Obviously Steve Morison’s goals have been important and great performances from Chris Day, Ronnie Henry, David Bridges and Michael Bostwick haven’t gone unnoticed either. New arrivals Mark Roberts and Andy Drury will also certainly be in with a shout.

There are some huge games coming up and a good support is key if the playoffs remain a possibility. Let’s hope we can help guide Boro to the football league and another FA Trophy.

Lopo