Boro continue to improve as Eastbourne are brushed aside

Stevenage continued their recent improvement, brushing aside Eastbourne Borough 2-0 at Broadhall Way. Boro dominated the game throughout and could of won by more had the 3 strikers of Boylan, Cole and Beardsley had their shooting boots on.

Westley named a 4-3-3 formation with Michael Bostwick, Joel Byrom and Stacy Long all starting in midfield. Mitchell Cole and Lee Boylan supported Chris Beardsley in a 3 man attack. Eastbourne named former Boro goalkeeper Michael Jordan in goal and he had an impressive night in between the sticks for the visitors. One save in the first half from Cole stood out in particular. They fielded a 4-4-2 formation with Andy Atkin acting as their main target man.

In what was at times a scrappy encounter, Stevenage had the majority of possession and reduced the visitors to long shots which failed to trouble Chris Day. I was particularly impressed with the work rate shown tonight. The midfield worked hard all night closing down the Eastbourne players and that hard work was rewarded with a comfortable victory. In my opinion Michael Bostwick was Man of the Match. Defensively we were also very secure, although Ashton and Roberts’ distribution of the ball could improve. At times they both just seem to hit the ball long and hope for the best.

Boro went ahead when a Joel Byrom corner was headed in by Jon Ashton. It was Ashton’s first goal for the club since his move last January from Grays. It was a well deserved goal as he was superb at the back all evening. Stevenage pushed on from their first goal, but were frustrated by Eastbourne goalkeeper Michael Jordan. Mitchell Cole, in particular had a frustrating first half. He got into a lot of good positions, but lacked that killer touch to add to the lead.

The second half was again scrappy, but Boro got hold of the ball after 10-15 minutes and even began to play some nice football at times. The second goal was a good goal. Ronnie Henry did well before passing to Cole who beat his man before crossing for Henry to head home. A well worked move which sealed the points for the hosts.

The last 20 minutes was more exhibition stuff from Westley’s side. Eddie Odhiambo came on and showed again why he has come back into contention at Broadhall Way. He linked up well on the right of midfield with Ronnie Henry. Boro could of added more goals with Lee Boylan, Chris Beardsley and Joel Byrom all going close, but the 2 goals were enough to move Boro into seventh in the Blue Square Premier table. Another step in the right direction after a slow start, but there were signs tonight that we are getting back to our best.

Lastly, welcome back Eddie Odhiambo. Two good substitute appearances and a seemingly great attitude so far this season.