Boro win in Field Mill thriller

Boro came from 2-0 down to defeat in form Mansfield on Saturday with an inspirational performance at Field Mill. A difficult place to go and to go 2-0 down after just 16 minutes you felt that it was going to be a frustrating afternoon. Two goals from striker Kyle Perry gave Mansfield a dream start one which they never would of dreamt of losing. Boylan had a blocked shot and Bostwick had one cleared of the line as Boro tried to get back into the game.

However the game was to be completely turned on it’s head when Mansfield scorer Kyle Perry seemingly stamped Lee Boylan after chasing a ball together. No decision was made for several minutes and despite former Boro midfielder Gary Mills’ best efforts  the referee whipped out his red card to Perry after consulting the fourth official. Unlike Rushden, Mansfield did not improve with 10 men but more credit is deserved to the Boro side who fought back starting just before the half time whistle thanks to former Stags man Chris Beardsley whose near post header gave Boro a goal going in at the break.

The second half was going to be difficult for Boro as Mansfield seemed happy to contain sub Griffin and Beardsley and attack on the counter. Yemi Odubade gave Boro a deserved equaliser in the 59th minute thanks to a good run from the left from Beardsley to cap a high energy and impressive performance which will certainly boost his confidence and depending on Mitchell Cole’s fitness maybe a starting place against Chester next Saturday.

Just 9 minutes later the comeback was complete when Charlie Griffin slotted his first goal for the club home. With little over 20 minutes to go it was Mansfield’s turn to chase the game and they certainly gave it a go. Although it was Scott Laird who went close with a 25 yarder tipped over the bar by Mansfield keeper Marriott. David Holdsworth made a couple of changes to spark more life into the home side and a solid defensive finish and a couple of top drawer saves from Chris Day gave Boro a fantastic win.

“You find out about the depth of passion for the victory in that kind of situation and I thought it was a magnificent performance” Graham Westley on Boro fightback

Despite angry comments after the game by Mansfield manager David Holdsworth, there has been no appeal for the red card and Perry has apologised to Boylan for the stamp. I personally couldn’t see this result especially after going 2-0 down however this fantastic result has given Boro 3rd place in the league. 8 points behind leaders Oxford with a game in hand.

In other news Stevenage’s youth team are out of the FA Youth Cup after 3-0 defeat  to AFC Hornchurch.  

Lopo