FC Boro

Stevenage returned to winning ways beating Burton Albion 4-1 at Broadhall Way after the mid-week defeat at Kettering Town. A hat-trick from Steve Morison and Lee Boylan’s first goal for the club sealed a good victory against a lacklustre Burton side. I went along to the pre-match “20-20″ talk with Graham Westley and found out the latest injury situation and selection news. Westley also explained where he felt Burton could be exploited. Their main area of weakness was their left side. With wing-back Aaron Webster out injured, Jake Buxton filled in at left back and was thought to be uncomfortable in this position. He was spot on.

Boro looked up for the game from the kick-off and within the first 5 minutes they were 1-0 up. Michael Bostwick got the ball in midfield and gave the ball to Lawrie Wilson to attack Burton’s makeshift left back before crossing for Lee Boylan to finish coolly. Before the game Westley said the main reason Boylan was back in the team was to compliment Steve Morison, but also because he is a clinical finisher, so he can finish off the chances we seem to have missed recently. Burton tried to get back into the game and had a chance when Keith Gilroy cut in from the left and hit a shot that looked destined for the bottom corner, but Chris Day tipped it round the post. The visitors were growing in frustration and forward Greg Pearson arguably should of been sent off after an awful challenge on Wilson. He was only booked.

Boro needed another goal to give themselves some breathing space as Albion were knocking the ball around nicely at times and were always a threat. That goal did come after 20 minutes and was probably the most fortuitous goal Steve Morison has ever scored. Burton knocked the ball back to veteran keeper Poole and his clearance hit Morison and trickled over the line. Just what last season’s topscorer needed to kick start his season. At half time Boro were 2-0 up and looking comfortable.

Burton began the second half better, but Boro scored against the run of play with Steve Morison volleying in after Luke Oliver headed across the goal from a McMahon free-kick. A minute later Morison had completed his hat-trick after latching on to a through ball, knocking the ball over the defender before finishing superbly to make it 4-0. At this time we were cruising and could of added a fifth a few minutes later when Morison again went through on goal, this time he couldn’t finish. Burton did score a consolation with 15 minutes remaining when the defence switched off for a minute and allowed Andy Corbett to receive a long ball before slotting the ball past Chris Day.

Overall, a much improved performance from recent weeks and a good result against a strong team in this league. I was very impressed with John Martin’s return to the side. He along with Bostwick controlled the midfield well and there looked like a better balance in the middle of the park. One thing we have missed in recent weeks is a bit of creativity and with Martin in the side we had that today. Defensively we were again better organised than we were in the earlier weeks of the season and I think the signing of Chris Day has improved this. The defence has more confidence with him between the sticks. Next up is Altrincham next Saturday at home. If we continue where we left off today then another 3 points should be just round the corner.