Boro held at Cambridge while Vincenti plays for Woking?

Cambridge City denied Boro their 3rd straight pre-season victory with a 1-1 draw at Milton Road. After an impressive win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, Stevenage were held to a battling draw by the Southern League side. Boro boss Graham Westley opted to start with a weakened 11, with the likes of Ashley Bayes, Eddie Odhiambo and Mark Albrighton playing the full 90 minutes, while reserve players Jerome Anderson and Chris Doyle made appearances too. Cambridge fielded their strongest side with the 14 contracted players playing as well as a couple of trialists who were out to impress manager Gary Roberts.

It looked like it was going to be another Boro win when Lee Boylan put Westley’s side ahead from the penalty spot. Bridges won the spot kick after being fouled in the area and Boylan stepped up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way. City though didn’t give up and were soon level when Ashton fouled Midgley and the former Canvey Island striker got up and scored from the spot.

It may not of been the result that Stevenage would of hoped for, but it’s another game and another 90 minutes for some players as they continue to get fit and ready for August 8th and the visit of Tamworth. I think the run out against Cambridge has done a lot of the ‘fringe’ players some good. It was their chance last night to prove to GW that they deserve to be in the starting 11, although they’re not quite in the first team plans at the moment.

Another player not quite in Westley’s plans at the moment is Peter Vincenti.

After being awarded a new 1 year contract with a 1 year option, Vincenti has been a bit part member of the squad so far this pre-season. He was an unused substitute last week against Chelmsford before making a late substitute appearance against Brighton at the weekend.

I don’t really know what Westley’s plans are for PV?

I thought that by giving him a new contract last summer that he would have some part to play in the forthcoming season either as a squad player or player with the potential to become a regular. I don’t think he’ll ever be a regular at Broadhall Way, but I do think he’s a useful player to bring off the bench to change a game. He can make a difference when he comes on as a substitute as we saw a few times last season, for example against Kettering at home. However, he has now been sent down to Woking on trial to see if the Blue Square South club are interested in taking the Jersey born player on loan. He played for them last night in a 4-1 friendly defeat by Fulham. Here’s a few quotes from some Woking fans on CardBoard.

“I was impressed with Vincenti, though he didn’t seem to suggest he will score a bucket load of goals. That said, it’s only 1 game and I would be happy if he signed on loan.” Cardsharp

“Someone who actually chased down the keeper, can’t remember seeing us do that once last season.” Sicknote

“Peter Vincenti (sp?) looked lively and committed.” Meerkat

It sounds like PV put in a very typical performance last night. He does lack a bit in technical ability, but never fails to put in 100% and I think would be a very astute signing for Woking. I can see him being a big target man for a quicker striker and that’s something that would work very well in the Conference South. It’s wait and see for Vincenti.