August Review
Posted by sgmboro on 06/09/2009
After a summer full of optimism, Stevenage hosted newly promoted Tamworth at Broadhall Way on the 8th August hoping to start the new season with a bang. However, the Lambs had different ideas and frustrated the Hertfordshire side all afternoon. Stevenage took an early lead thanks to a Lee Boylan penalty, but never really got going and were punished late on in the first half when BBC columnist Bradley Pritchard equalised with a cool finish. It wasn’t the start that Graham Westley had planned, but looking at the start that Tamworth have made since then, it doesn’t look like a bad result.
Next up was a trip to another promoted club, this time Hayes & Yeading. 250+ Boro fans made the trip round the M25 hoping to see the team bounce back and pick up their first win of the season, but again were left frustrated as the Blue Square South play-off winners were the better side and could of won the game late on had it not been for a superb save by Chris Day. Boro actually took the lead with Andy Drury scoring a superb solo goal. Westley’s side again though didn’t take advantage of taking the lead and were caught napping when the impressive Dale Binns roasted Ronnie Henry before crossing for Danny Allen-Page to tap home the equaliser. Another disappointing display.
Barrow away followed the Hayes game. It’s never the easiest trip, but looking back now we really should of won all 3 points there. Since their opening day win against Cambridge, Barrow have won just won game, against Tamworth, losing 4, including yesterday’s 6-1 defeat at home to Rushden & Diamonds. Stevenage put on their best performance, but it wasn’t enough as the lack of a clinical strike force showed at Holker Street.
Ebbsfleet made their way to Broadhall Way next. Boro needed a win badly after 3 straight draws and that first win came with an accomplished display against a woeful Ebbsfleet side. Liam Daish’s team has suffered a lot during the summer and are a shadow of the side they were in previous campaign’s. Goals from Chris Beardsley, Joel Byrom and Lawrie Wilson made sure of the 3 points.
After a convincing display, Stevenage were now full of confidence as they went to the Kassam Stadium to face leaders Oxford United. The U’s had made a good start and were now favourites to win promotion from the Blue Square Premier. They continued their good start and were too strong for Boro. Alfie Potter opened the scoring with a well timed finish after an Ashley Bayes mistake. An Adam Murray strike sealed the points for the home side before former U’s striker Yemi Odubade hit a consolation for Boro late on.
Rushden were next to visit Broadhall Way and in a fierce encounter. The game will be remembered for the injury to Lawrie Wilson which will probably see the wing back miss the rest of the season. Boro won the game 2-1 with the goals coming from Lee Boylan and Michael Bostwick. Although they won, the performance again was poor and in some ways Westley’s side were lucky to take all 3 points.
Next up on the Bank Holiday weekend came Histon. Boro’s record up there isn’t bad with a win and draw coming from their last 2 visits to the Glassworld Stadium. They kept that record going with a comfortable 2-0 victory with just 10 men for almost 80 mins. Peter Vincenti got sent off early on, although it was a harsh decision. It didn’t affect Stevenage though and goals from Scott Laird and forgotten man Eddie Odhiambo were enough to bring all 3 points back to Herts and move the team into 4th position.
It’s been an up and down start to the season, but what did you expect. I think it’s fair to say that most of Westley’s summer signings haven’t lived up to their expectations just yet, but it’s still early days and I’m confident we’ll see their full potential in the coming months. Westley has already had to use his squad, with plenty of injuries and suspensions hitting the team in the early weeks of the season. The injury to Lawrie Wilson in a big blow, especially as he has arguably been Boro’s star performer over the first month of the season. The home form again has been good with 2 wins and a draw coming from 3 games. If we can get a bit of consistency away from home then staying in the top 5 is a strong possibility. Overall, we haven’t hit top form yet, but it can’t be bad that we’re in contention and our best is yet to come!
Player of the Month: Lawrie Wilson
