Boro 3-0 Ebbsfleet

Three goals, three points, a clean sheet and a good performance to go with it as Boro crushed Ebbsfleet 3-0 tonight at Broadhall Way. Graham Westley’s side continued their steady improvement and showed a clinical edge in front of goal this evening to win the game and install some confidence into the side ahead of the trip to Oxford on Saturday.

The Boro boss brought in summer signing Chris Beardsley in place of Charlie Griffin while Lee Boylan also returned to the starting eleven. Ashley Bayes continued in goal with Chris Day still out with a thumb injury. It was a better team selection than the Barrow game, with the team looking much more balanced throughout. Ebbsfleet looked totally different from the last time we played them, playing a lot of youngsters who struggled to make an impact as the game went on. Darius Charles captained the side alongside Leon Crooks, while goalkeeper Lance Cronin also took his place between the sticks. Other than that, Liam Daish’s side was totally different.

Stevenage began the game at a high tempo and were rewarded with a goal just 8 minutes in when a long ball by Roberts found Wilson who nodded it down to Chris Beardsley and the former Mansfield striker slotted home. It was a simple move, but at the same time it was exactly what the team needed after a lean spell in front goal. That goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Ebbsfleet and they were barely a threat for the rest of the 90 minutes, although they did make Bayes pull off a good save 10 minutes before half-time. Boro dictated the game and could of added more goals before the interval with both Mark Roberts and Beardsley again going close.

The second half was more of the same. Boro were knocking the ball about and Ebbsfleet were chasing it down. Daish opted to play a 4-5-1 formation with Magno Vieira up front on his own and Ricky Shakes playing off him and it didn’t work. Ebbsfleet played the long ball up to Vieira and Ashton had him beaten every time, although in the end the referee booked Ashton for apparent constant fouling. I think it was a harsh decision to book the former Rushden man. Joel Byrom came on and Bostwick moved back to centre half and this seemed to improve Boro further. Byrom played a few nice touches before getting his goal with 15 minutes remaining. A ‘corner’ was given when it was clear it had touched Wilson before crossing the line. From there the ball found its way to Byrom who netted his first Boro goal in the league. Game over.

After the second goal, Stevenage played the game out well and there was even time for Man of the Match Lawrie Wilson to power his way through and thump in the third for Boro. Wilson was exeptional tonight on the right wing. He was up and down the right all evening, putting in some fantastic crosses as well as backing up Ronnie Henry too. He’s certainly Boro’s most improved player so far this campaign. It sealed a good night for Boro who travel to in form Oxford next. The U’s top the table after smashing crisis club Chester 4-0 at the Kassam. Arguably it will be the first real test of the season.