FC Boro

Stevenage’s winning streak of four games is over as York City held them to a 3-3 draw this afternoon at Broadhall Way. Graham Westley made two changes from the side that beat Grays on Thursday night. Anthony Thomas replaced Lee Boylan, who was seen on crutches near the tunnel before the game. Luke Oliver also missed out so Peter Vincenti came into the midfield as Michael Bostwick dropped back to partner Ronnie Henry in defence.

Boro again got off to a quick start with Steve Morison setting up Anthony Thomas who had his shot blocked, but then the ball was hit into the top of his own net by Mark Robinson. Quite a funny goal for York to concede, especially after doing quite well to block the initial effort which was going goal bound. Once the first goal had been scored I thought Boro would really push on, but this didn’t really happen. Both teams didn’t really threaten to score until Morison broke through the York defence and finished well past Ingham, who maybe should of done better. Boro were 2-0 up and looking comfortable, but a lack of concentration just 5 minutes later allowed the visitors back into the game and Onome Sodje beat Chris Day on his near post after a mistake by Scott Laird.

York gained confidence from that goal and began to play more offensive football. Craig Farrell was causing the Boro defence problems as he was coming deep to receive the ball before looking to release Sodje or Holmes. With quite a few injuries in the first half, 4 minutes was put on the board and York scored their second within that. It was a well worked goal, but the Boro defence should of done better. John Martin lost possession in midfield and York attacked on the counter. Sodje found Farrell who drew both Albrighton and Bostwick to the ball before laying it to the unmarked Peter Holmes who fired home the equaliser. Boro would go in level at half-time after cruising at one stage.

York began the second half the stronger and within 5 minutes had completed their comeback, going 3-2 up after the impressive Farrell finished after a good run by Sodje. Laird was no where to be seen as Sodje ran through, but Albrighton again had drafted inside leaving Farrell unmarked to score. Today was the first time this season that York had scored more than 2 in a game. Boro needed a response and they got it. Vincenti, who worked hard all afternoon crossed the ball in which found Morison who headed past Ingham, just, to put Boro back on level terms.

Boro pushed for a winner, bringing on Willock for the disappointing Thomas, but couldn’t find a way past. The ball just didn’t seem to bounce right for Willock or Morison in the latter stages. York had a chance on the counter, but Sodje pulled up with a suspected pulled hamstring and couldn’t complete his run. If that hadn’t of happened then maybe the Yorkshire side would of possibly won the game. At the end though both teams had to settle for a point, which in the end was probably a fair result.