FC Boro

Boro’s recent improvement continued as Altrincham were beaten convincingly at Broadhall Way this afternoon. Boro dominated the game from start to finish and outclassed a team who just shouldn’t be in this division. Altrincham were always going to put 10 men behind the ball as they looked to take a point back to Cheshire. They lined up with a 4-5-1 formation with Chris Lane playing in a holding midfield position. Chris Denham was the lone striker with Lee Elam on the left and Warren Peyton on the right. Chris Senior, who scored the winner in the game between the two teams at BHW a few seasons ago, was on the bench.

Boro’s aim was to attack Altrincham from the off and get a quick start in order to try and replicate the win against Burton last Saturday. They did just that. Boro played some great football in the opening 20 minutes. Quick, short passes to feet and good movement off the ball. The left sided trio of Martin, McMahon and Laird were particularly impressing and it was them that were heavily involved in Steve Morison’s opening goal. Martin played in McMahon who cheekily scooped the ball over the Altrincham backline for Laird to run onto and cross for Steve Morison who finished from close range. A good goal which was reward for a great first 15 minutes.

Altrincham never looked like a threat going forward and even when they did have a chance through Lee Elam he hit it wide when he had only Day to beat. Boro were continuing to knock the ball about well, but were dealt a blow when the impressive McMahon was fouled by Lane and had to go off with a ankle injury. Lane was only booked. Mitchell Cole came on to replace McMahon and within 6 minutes he had doubled Boro’s lead with a good low drive from the left hand side of the area after Michael Bostwick had laid him on. It was a good finish and more or less put the game to bed.

Altrincham improved in the second half, but never looked like threatening to come back into the game. After a first half with good football, the second half was more direct with Luke Oliver in particular hoofing the ball at every opportunity. I still think Oliver is a weak link and is very mistake prone. His distribution is also terrible. Boro continued to make chances and both Morison and Boylan should of added to the scoreline.

Lawrie Wilson had a burst into the box and was fouled but referee Amy Raynor failed to give a penalty. A few minutes later Mitchell Cole ran into the box and seemed to fall over quite easily after losing the ball, but this time Raynor gave the penalty. She didn’t have a great game. Not her worst at BHW, but many poor decisions and seemed to be whistle happy throughout. Steve Morison hammered the penalty in to give Boro a third and a comfortable victory.

Overall, it was another good home win and performance. The current team looks to have gelled and now seems to have a balance. The introduction of John Martin in the midfield has made a big difference. The defence seems to have struck an understanding now and Chris Day is a very good goalkeeper for this level. Lee Boylan has also allowed Steve Morison to flourish. The Morison/Boylan partnership has yielded 6 goals between them in just two games. Next up a tricky game away at Forest Green.