FC Boro

Boro’s good form continued on Saturday with a hard working win against Salisbury. Boro lined up with Bostwick one again at centre half and Yemi Odubade continuing up front alongside former Salisbury man Charlie Griffin. Once again Lee Boylan and Mitchell Cole missed out through injury and they were joined by Eddie Odhiambo who picked up a knock last week against Hayes & Yeading. There was a return to the bench for Jon Ashton after several weeks out with a shoulder injury. Salisbury lined up with 4-5-1 and throughout the game looked like they were settling for a draw. Surprisingly they left top scorer Matt Tubbs on the bench however their XI did include former Gillingham right back Sean Clohessy and experienced midfielder Darrel Clarke.

With two teams playing to a game plan it made the game quite scrappy at times however Boro were looking the most likely to score with Odubade going close twice once with a left footed shot deflected wide and after Andrew Drury’s cross he scuffed his shot straight at James Bittner. Darren Murphy went close from distance however Salisbury’s dogged defending it seemed long distance efforts was the most likely way of scoring.

Boro had to wait until just before half time to make the break through and it came from a simple free kick which was glanced over Bittner into the net from Mark Roberts who scored his first goal of the season on his 50th appearance for Boro. His impressive performances since joining last season have not gone unnoticed as he has won fans player of the year and obtained the captains armband in such a short space of time.

Going in at the break ahead seemed fair as Boro had dominated a high majority of the game however we all knew Salisbury would need to change tactics to get back into the game. Salisbury continued to struggle with Yemi’s pace and he went close again at the start of the second but again miss controlled straight to Bittner. Salisbury introduced Matt Tubbs and Chris Flood to great effect as Boro fell asleep Flood found himself through and slotting past Day in the Boro goal.

Boro responded well as Charlie Griffin came back to haunt his old club but scoring from close range and scoring his 4th goal in 2 games. Westley then brought Chris Beardsley on to replace Andy Drury and within seconds he found himself through to give Boro a 2 goal lead and all 3 points from an acute angle.

Wrexham Preview

On the back of the hardworking win against Salisbury, there is certainly no rest for Graham Westley’s side as they entertain Wrexham at the Lamex this evening. A team we have never beaten in our 3 meetings and in fact never even drawn against! Despite this there is a contrast in form between the two teams, Wrexham have won only 2 of their last 6 league  games one of which came against local rivals Luton who they thumped 3-0. Back in August 2008 Graham Westley’s first game back it was us being thumped 5-0 as all the pre season optimism seemed to deteriate in front of our own eyes and for the first time I found myself leaving before the end of the game for the long trip home!

Wrexham have a few doubts for this game, left back Sam Williamson is hoping to return from a hernia along with Matt Wolfenden who should be fit to play some part. Former Nottingham Forest striker Gareth Taylor is also in line to continue up front after scoring on Saturday against Grays.

Boro have several doubts but no new injury concerns ahead of tonights game however Westley could make a couple of changes to freshen up the squad with Stacy Long and Chris Beardsley pushing for starts.  Lawrie Wilson and David Bridges will miss out again however Jon Ashton will be hoping for a recall at centre half. Lee Boylan will almost certainly miss the game along with Mitchell Cole however Eddie Odhiambo could feature after picking up a knock on his ankle 10 days ago against Hayes & Yeading.

Potentially a tricky game tonight but I believe we should win this by the odd goal.

Lopo’s Prediction- Boro 2-1 Wrexham

In other news Craig Dobson has returned to Conference football with Mansfield. The former Boro winger had his best spell as a footballer with Boro scoring in the 2007 FA Trophy final at Wembley.

“I moved up north, left the London lights behind to get back to football.” Dobson on moving to Mansfield

Lopo