FC Boro

On the back of Boro’s biggest win of the season so far last Saturday, we entertain in-form Salisbury at The Lamex Stadium tomorrow. It may prove to be a tough game however history is on our with 4 wins and one draw in our last 6 meetings. Our last defeat was back in March 2008 when Matt Tubbs scored a last gasp winner to deny Peter Taylor’s team from going second in the league at the time.

Boro’s form going into Saturday is good despite one win in the last 3 home games and a hat trick last week for Charlie Grffin should certainly boost his confidence as he faces his old club for the first time since leaving in May. It is unlikely that Stacy Long or Peter Vincenti will start after they played in the reserve’s hammering to Norwich. However Scott Laird is likely to return at left back after a one match ban. Jon Ashton and David Bridges are still out and Eddie Odhiambo is a doubt with a knock. With Henry and Laird both available questions will be asked of Michael Brough. With Joel Byrom’s mixture of form will Brough force himself into the midfield alongside Darren Murphy or will he have to settle for a place on the bench? I would like to see him get a chance alongside Murphy as Byrom always seems to be quiet in the middle of midfield and doesn’t always impress or work as hard as John Martin did.

Salisbury only have one deifinite absentee in on loan defender Ryan Tafazolli who is suspended. Although they are sweating on the fitness of several other first team players including Darrell Clarke and Rob Sinclair. 4 wins in their last 5 have certainly given Salisbury a lease of life and without their 10 point deduction they would be just outside the playoffs.

“I think we will continue to get better. I think we’ll improve a lot and I think the players are starting to find their confidence.” Westley on players and confidence (The Comet)

Confidence is key in football and key for consistency, one thing we tend to lack during most seasons. It’s good to hear that the players are feeling confident about winning any game and this most certainly would of helped with victories over the last few weeks.

I am personally confident we are strong enough to see of Salisbury despite their up-turn in form. We are going through a good patch at the moment ourselves and if we could of turned a couple of draws into victories we could of been more in touch with leaders Oxford.

Boro Probable Team

Day, Henry, Laird, Bostwick, Roberts, Drury, Cole, Murphy, Byrom, Griffin, Boylan

Subs Odubade, Brough, Vincenti, Long, Bayes

Lopo’s Prediction  Boro 2-0 Salisbury

Lopo