Stevenage were held 1-1 in their final home game of pre-season after an impressive performance against League 1 side Leyton Orient. Graham Westley fielded a strong team as it was their last test before the new season kicks off next Saturday. Steve Morison was partnered up front by Mitchell Cole who plays in that position for the England C team. Michael Bostwick again played at right back with Gary Mills and David Bridges in midfield. Orient also fielded a strong team which included Wayne Gray, Adam Chambers and ex Tottenham centre back Alton Thelwell.

Boro started well and had a chance early on when Mitchell Cole showed his strength by holding off his defender before shooting at goal. Cole played well throughout and seems to have improved his work rate in recent weeks as he was closing down players more, much to the delight of his manager. Orient had a few half chances on goal, but nothing that really worried the ex O’s keeper Bayes.

After 15 mins Boro took the lead after Steve Morison was put through by Eddie Anaclet and slotted the ball past Jamie Jones in the Orient goal. It was a well deserved lead. Morison had another chance to double the lead a few minutes later heading wide from a corner, while at the other end Melligan headed an open goal wide after good work by Wayne Gray on the right wing. David Bridges was then taken off with a suspected broken metatarsal and replaced by ex Orient midfielder John Martin.

Orient improved in the second half and began creating more chances. Both right back Stephen Purches and Ryan Jarvis had chances to level it for Orient before Sean Thornton did after a well placed free-kick beat Bayes on his left side. Thornton changed the game for Orient. He seemed to give them more shape and was a threat in the second half. Boro though continued to make chances and a long shot from Morison was well saved by Jones. Orient though were now on the front foot and were unlucky not to win the game when Mkandawire’s shot was cleared off the line by Bostwick.

Overall it was a good performance against a team who will be pushing for promotion in League 1 this season. The game showed how much Boro have improved in recent weeks because I think if this game was played a few weeks back when we played QPR or Peterborough then it would of ended in defeat. The fitness now seems to be at a good level and there is confidence going into the first game at Wrexham in just 6 days time.