FC Boro

Boro have a break from league action this Saturday as the FA Cup campaign starts against Chelmsford City. It was only a few months ago that Boro faced Chelmsford in a pre-season friendly where Charlie Griffin and Chris Beardsley both scored Boro won by 2-1.

Chelmsford find themselves in 11th place in Conference South despite winning 3 of their last 5 league games. In the cup they have certainly for pedigree for success by scoring 9 goals in their two FA Cup games this season albeit against lower opposition. Saturday will be a massive test for Chelmsford and potentially a big scalp but certainly will not be easy for Boro either as a big crowd is expected and huge optimism in the local area. Chelmsford have several well known players who have played against us and played for us in the past. Danny Hockton, John Martin and Ollie Berquez are all part of the setup and could face their former team. Former Daggers midfielder David Rainford and Histon forward Antonio Murray are other threats Chelmsford possess and are certainly a team capable to causing an upset. Chelmsford have a strange ground with a running track around the edge and one stand to speak of it does have plenty of space to stand and a few seats stuck to a wall opposite the main stand.

“I was lucky to be involved in a quarter-final match at Ipswich Town and it still holds its magic for everyone. The support of the fans on the day will be enormous and I’m not sure our supporters realise how important they are. When we have a big crowd who are fully behind the lads it gives them such a massive lift and when away sides come here and are up against that wall of sound it can have a deflating effect on them. The Claret Army are vital and they can be that twelfth man for us.” Chelmford veteran Steve Ward on his teams chances (CCFC Official site).

For Stevenage it’s another chance to cement a place in history in a competition that has brought some success in the past. We all remember the big games such as Newcastle, Birmingham and Leicester and I’m sure Graham Westley and his players would all love to get the opportunity to face a big team again and possibly make a name for themselves. Westley took Farnborough to Highbury to lose 5-1 to Arsenal before his controversial move to Broadhall Way in 2003. It’s a welcome break and a good opportunity to play some other players who haven’t played too many games this season such as Stacy Long and Peter Vincenti.

Team News

Boro have no new injury injury concerns after the goalless draw against Wrexham on Tuesday however Andy Drury is a doubt after picking up a knock against Salisbury. Michael Brough is unlikely to play after his loan spell finished this week and no new deal has been confirmed. Mitchell Cole managed 45 minutes against Wrexham could start and the FA Cup could invite some fringe players to get a rare start. David Bridges and Lawrie Wilson are out however Eddie Odhiambo could feature.

Chelmsford have a couple of injury problems including former Boro man Ollie Berquez and defender Ben Martin who are almost certain to miss tomorrows game with a foot and hamstring injury respectively. Danny Hockton could be fit but will face a late fitness test.

Possible team- Day, Henry, Roberts, Ashton, Laird, Long, Bostwick, Murphy, Cole, Odubade, Griffin  Subs Bayes, Vincenti, Byrom, Beardsley, Albrighton

Lopo’s Prediction Chelmsford 1-2 Stevenage

In other news Stevenage reserves were thrashed 7-1 by Colchester on Wednesday night. A very young side was put out against what has to be said a fairly strong Colchester team which included Steven Gillespie, Alan Maybury, Matt Heath, Simon Hackney and Paul Reid. Two hammering defeats in a row leave Boro languishing at the bottom of the reserve league.

Lopo