It was another encouraging performance at Broadhall Way as Boro comfortably beat the run away leaders of the Blue Square Premier in the 3rd round of the FA Trophy. After being given the hardest draw of the round, Boro passed the test with flying colours and on current form look favourites to regain the trophy they won in 2007. Graham Westley made one change from the team that started the mid-week game against Kettering with Lee Boylan making a surprise return in place of Lawrie Wilson. Cole moved back to the left hand side with Drury back on the right. Burton, who were still unbeaten under new manager Roy McFarland before the game were looking to advance into the quarter-finals in their pursuit of the league and cup double.

The first half was an even affair with both sides having chances to take the lead. Boro went close thanks to efforts from Andy Drury and Darren Murphy, who again impressed in midfield. At the other end, Burton were still a threat with John McGrath, Marc Goodfellow and Shaun Harrad having the Brewer’s best chances. Day’s save from the latter was particularly impressive. It was Boro though who got the crucial first goal through Steve Morison who continued his fine form in front of goal. Mitchell Cole’s cross was inch perfect and Morison fired past Poole who was helpless to stop it in the Burton goal. Boro went in to the break, deservedly 1 up.

The second half was a much more one sided half. Boro dominated from start to finish and Burton looked a shade of the side that comfortably beat Stevenage at the Pirelli a couple of months back. Within 10 minutes of the restart, Boro had doubled their lead with Mitchell Cole scoring again after his hat-trick a week ago. Morison laid the ball on for the England XI man to shoot home, via a deflection off Darren Stride. Burton’s heads went down after that goal and Boro’s performance went up another level. Minutes later Morison had added the third and his second of the afternoon. Poole made a rash decision to come out and Morison simply lofted the ball over him and into the net. It was all too easy for Westley’s side.

Boro had chances to add to their tally before injury time when David Bridges did finally get the fourth goal. It was a sweet goal too. A fine long distance strike to seal an impressive afternoon for Boro. Bridges seems to have given the team a massive lift in the midfield and his goals from that position could prove vital in the end of season run-in. Boro are on form. They need to continue that if they are to win promotion this season. Next up if Forest Green at BHW next Saturday. FGR are not the team they were last season without Fleetwood and Beesley. I anticipate another 3 points as Boro gain momentum for the final push.