Boro too strong for Histon

Boro returned to action at Histon just 2 days after the victory over Rushden on Saturday. Graham Westley named a strange side and formation to try and counter the strong, physical Histon threat. Mark Albrighton started alongside Mark Roberts and Jon Ashton while Laird and Henry were given freedom as wing backs. Peter Vincenti also started in midfield alongside Michael Bostwick and Joel Byrom while Lee Boylan was partnered up front with Mitchell Cole. Histon, who aren’t the same side as in previous years started familiar names in Mat Knight-Percival and Josh Simpson while former Gillingham defender Adam Bygrave started in defence.

Things didn’t get off to a good start for the visitors when Vincenti, who was given a rare start, was sent off for a challenge on Craig Pope. Vincenti got the ball, but did catch the defender as well. I think the red card was a harsh decision and that a yellow would have been appropriate. Going down to 10 men didn’t seem to affect Boro though and the partnership on the left of Laird and Cole were giving Bygrave a few things to think about. 6 minutes after the sending off, Boro took the lead when Scott Laird made his way into the box before shooting past Naisbitt. The goalkeeper should have done better with the shot, but Laird did well to find his way into the box.

Histon reacted well to the Stevenage goal. They began to get into the game a lot more and created some good chances as they pushed forward looking for an equaliser. Danny Wright had a shot which was well blocked by Ashton, while a shot from Matt Langston went over the bar. Stevenage didn’t really create much after the goal, but were comfortable, going in at half time 1-0 up.

Boro made a change at half-time with Mitchell Cole being replaced by forgotten man Eddie Odhiambo (formerly Anaclet). Odhiambo started on the left in the place of Cole, but impressed in his first performance of the season and popped up all over the pitch. Westley’s change made an immediate impact and it was he that scored Boro’s second prodding home from a Boylan cross.

Histon again reacted well to the goal and won themselves a penalty when Ronnie Henry was adjudged to have fouled Jamie Barker in the area. Danny Wright stepped up, but put his penalty horribly wide. It just about summed up Histon’s day. Minutes later another Danny Wright effort looked destined to find the net, but Day did superbly to keep the effort out. Boro saw out the remainder of the match out to secure the 3 points and return to Hertfordshire in 4th place and above neighbours Luton Town.

It was a good, professional performance from Westley’s men. Histon is never an easy place to go to, but Boro with 10 men did that. It’s worth noting that we are in 4th place and we haven’t even hit top form yet. If we can improve and begin to play some of the football that we played in the second half of last season then it may just start to get interesting.