“Horrible performance” – Westley

It wasn’t pretty, but Stevenage got back to winning ways beating Rushden & Diamonds 2-1 at Broadhall Way. Unfortunately though the game won’t be remembered for the football, but for the horror tackle by Michael Corcoran on Lawrie Wilson which will probably see the in form right midfielder miss the rest of the season. Corcoran was sent off for the challenge and will miss 3 games because it was a straight red, while Wilson will miss the remainder of the campaign and may never reach his best again.

Back to the football and Boro boss Graham Westley made a few changes to his team due to injuries. Stacy Long came into the midfield in place of an unfit Mitchell Cole, while Chris Day returned in goal. Both Darren Murphy and Ashley Bayes picked up injuries in midweek and missed out. They’re also doubtful for Histon tomorrow.

Stevenage started brightly and were in front within 7 minutes. Chris Beardsley had a chance on 5 minutes when he went through, but he hit the post. Boro won possession back and got Beardsley in a good position again before he dived and unbelieveably won a penalty. It was a clear dive from the former Rushden striker that should not of resulted in a spot kick. However, Lee Boylan did step up and made no mistake from 12 yards. Boro were in front and looked comfortable.

Boro didn’t build on their lead though and allowed a physical Rushden side get back into the game. Then there was the challenge that changed the game. Lawrie Wilson was tackled from behind very late by Corcoran which resulted in the winger dislocating his ankle and breaking his leg in 3 places. You could tell straight away from the East Terrace that it was a terrible injury. Boylan’s reaction said a lot. Corcoran was rightly sent off and Boro brought on Mitchell Cole as Wilson’s replacement. It’s a big blow for Boro as Wilson has easily been the best player at Broadhall Way so far this season.

Cole never looked up for it yesterday and looked very unfit. Within 5-10 minutes of coming on he was struggling to get back and cover for Laird. Stevenage saw out the rest of the half, but Rushden were coming back into the game. Aaron O’Connor was a threat all afternoon and his runs in behind Ashton were creating chances for the visitors.

Stevenage resumed the second half, but it was the same story. The play was disjointed and not pleasant to watch. Byrom had a shocker in midfield. His passing found a Rushden player 99% of the time, while Long didn’t impose himself on the wing. I don’t think it is his best position, but even still some of his play yesterday was not what we used to see when he was an Ebbsfleet player. Most of the play bypassed the midfield with Roberts and Ashton hitting the ball long at every opportunity. It didn’t take long for Rushden to level and when Pattison made his way through the Boro defence it was blocked initially by Day before finding Tomlin who set up Akurang to make it 1-1. A poor goal for us to concede, but it had been coming.

The Diamonds continued to attack to try and push a winner, but with 10 men found it difficult to get the players forward. Westley made some changes late on which changed the game. Vincenti gave Boro a target man and put himself about a bit, while Yemi Odubade injected some pace into the team and game. It made a difference as Boro pushed forward and finally set up Bostwick who shot home from outside the box. The Rushden keeper should of really done better with the shot. It wasn’t what Boro deserved, but it proved that Westley’s side can win ugly and them 3 point may be important come the end of April.