FC Boro

Stevenage completed their pre-season schedule on a high and go into next week’s opener against newly promoted Tamworth brimming with confidence. The double header against Southend and Woking yielded a win and a draw from the two games, but not against the teams that you and I would of expected. Graham Westley’s side despatched of Steve Tilson’s Southend on Friday night, winning the game comfortably by 2 goals to 1. I didn’t go to the game, but after talking with some people, they have said that Boro looked good and totally deserved to beat their League 1 opponents.

Boro, who showed off their new kit, took an early lead when Joel Byrom scored his first goal for the club. Darren Murphy repeated the trick just 5 minutes later to further cement the Hertfordshire clubs lead. Southend hit back in the second half with an improved performance and got a consolation goal through Frank Moussa, but it wasn’t enough and Stevenage won the game, their second win against League opposition this summer.

Less than 24 hours later, Boro were back in action when they travelled down to Woking for their last pre-season game of 2009. It was a weakened eleven that took to the pitch at Woking, but still had players like Mark Albrighton, Jon Ashton and Yemi Odubade who were out to try and impress the management team. Funnily enough Peter Vincenti, who was loaned to Woking last week started for Boro at right back and was given a torrid time by Delano Sam-Yorke. I assume Westley didn’t have enough players at his disposal and used Vincenti to make up the numbers?

The game finished 0-0 and according to reports, Boro’s most threatening player looked like Yemi Odubade. The former Oxford attacker could be one to watch this season at Broadhall Way. I think he might be a useful squad player and his pace is always going to be a threat against Blue Square Premier defences. He may now get a run out on the left hand side with Mitchell Cole expected to be out for a couple of months with a foot injury.

Overall, Graham Westley will be pleased with his side’s effort over the pre-season period. It was important that they finished strongly and with the result against Southend and then not getting beat at Woking they have done that. Tamworth will not relish coming down to Broadhall Way next Saturday. Boro should be looking forward to getting a good convincing win under their belts and hitting the ground running.