Boro 1-2 Wrexham

Boro lost again at home today to Wrexham to make it 3 defeats in a row and just 1 point from the last 12 available, but it isn’t all bad. The team put in a better performance and could count themselves unlucky not to get at least a point from the game. Westley, who had criticised some of his players pre match, decided to give a debut to Mark Roberts who arrived on loan in midweek from Northwich and recall Anthony Thomas to the starting 11. Gary Mills was partnered in midfield by Peter Vincenti, who is beginning to make that central midfield position his own.

Wrexham, managed by former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Dean Saunders, looked distinctly average and lacked a cutting edge up front with the Welsh side opting to just play Jefferson Louis on his own in attack. Boro were the better side in the first half and should of took the lead when Anthony Thomas went clear, but his shot clipped the crossbar. Ashley Westwood couldn’t seem to handle Thomas’ pace and Boro didn’t exploit this weakness enough. Westwood was poor all game and should of been sent off for consistent fouling. Thank God he left last summer.

In the second half, Wrexham still didn’t look like getting into the game and it was Boro who were setting the tempo, but against the run of play a deflected cross found Louis who hammered in the opener. It was a good finish from the ex Boro striker, who then decided to celebrate in front of the Boro fans and management team. Roberts was the unlucky one who deflected the ball into Louis’ path, but gave a very solid debut. If Westley can now add a quick and strong defender to partner him then our defensive record should improve.

Eight minutes after Wrexham’s opener, Boro equalised which they didn’t look like doing for long periods. Without Morison, Boro don’t look threatening enough when attacking, but out of the blue, a Callum Willock effort found the net. This goal should of given the team a bit of confidence that they could then go and try and win the game, but instead Wrexham slowly began to come back into the game and Boro were reduced to half chances. One of which nearly found the net when a Peter Vincenti header nearly crept into the far corner.

With 10 minutes to go and Boro looking to try and force a winner, Wrexham counter attacked and a deflected shot from Mark Williams found the net. To be honest he was allowed far too much time around the box to get a shot on goal, but the deflection was hard luck on Boro. Westley threw on Boylan in the last 5 minutes, but all he could do was send a long shot high and wide. A disappointing result, but an improved performance, even if the football at times was terrible. What is worrying though is Westley can’t even do what he is good at and win playing hoofball!