Boro 1-2 Morison

It was always going to happen wasn’t it?

Steve Morison returned to Broadhall Way for the first time since his summer move to League 1 Millwall and fired both goals as the South London side beat Boro to condemn Graham Westley’s side to their first defeat this pre-season. Morison started the game for his new employers and was given a warm reception by the Boro fans as he wore the number 9 shirt for the Lions. Boro started with in a 4-4-1-1 formation with Stacy Long playing just behind Charlie Griffin. Mitchell Cole and Lawrie Wilson operated the wings, whilst Joel Byrom partnered Darren Murphy in centre midfield. Ex Millwall players Chris Day and Michael Bostwick faced their former club.

Although Stevenage were beat yesterday, the performance showed enough to give the Boro fans some optimism with the first game of the new season just 2 weeks away. Millwall were a lot more professional than Brighton were a week ago and I expect that Kenny Jackett’s side will be in with a shout of promotion from League 1 again this season. With just two weeks until Tamworth visit Broadhall Way, then there isn’t a lot of time left for Graham Westley and his staff to get the squad prepared. So far they have looked good this pre-season. It’s been a far more settled summer this year and I think that will help the club when the begin the campaign. That ‘running’ start may just happen this season?

Next up for Boro is a home game against Peterborough United on Tuesday night. After that they face Southend on Friday night before travelling down to Woking for their last pre-season game.

The 3 next games will not be easy. The two home games are against established league sides and they both will be looking for promotion in their respective leagues this coming season. The Woking game isn’t just a ‘friendly’ against a Conference South club. The rivalry between the clubs may have mellowed in recent years, but there will still be an edge to the game next Saturday. Boro will be looking to hit top gear by the time Southend visit Broadhall Way, so that should be a good game to go down and watch.

In other news, former Boro goalkeeper Dean Greygoose has retired from the game. Greygoose, now 44,  made 23 appearances for the club from 2001/2002. He most previously played for Bury Town, but has decided to call it a day after an amazing 27 year long career. Another ex Boro player making a move this summer is Santos Gaia. The Brazilian FA Trophy winner has decided to join Truro City after being released by Weymouth. He joins former Exeter City teammate’s Leslie Afful, Danny Clay and Barry McConell.