Christmas 2009: Reviewed

29/12/2009 by sgmboro 1 Comment

As usual, it has been a busy festive period for Stevenage Borough. Graham Westley’s side had not played a league game since the 5th December before they visited Cambridge United on Boxing Day and then hosted AFC Wimbledon 2 days later at Broadhall Way. It’s not over yet either with Cambridge visiting again on New Years Day.

So back to Boxing Day and that trip up the A10 to Cambridge. It wasn’t one I was particularly looking forward to after what happened back in May, but nonetheless it proved to be Boro’s day this time as they beat the U’s for the first time at the Abbey Stadium. After going 1-0 down early on to a Danny Crow penalty, things didn’t look good for Westley’s side, but they bounced back when Yemi Odubade equalised from the spot. A minute later Wayne Hatswell was sent off for violent conduct after a poor challenge on Chris Beardsley. The sending off changed the game as Cambridge tried to deal with a patchy defence.

After an average first half, Boro turned it on in the second half. Boss Westley made two attacking changes, bringing on Byrom and Griffin for Odhiambo and Albrighton. It definately made a difference and Stevenage went ahead just 10 minutes into the second half. Yemi Odubade attacked and his cross found Griffin who bundled the ball home from close range. Boro controlled the game once they went ahead, but Cambridge continued to attack even with just the 10 men. Robbie Wilmott had a long range effort saved by Chris Day while Danny Crow could of done better with an effort from close range.

Boro were closing the game out well before they stuck the final nail in Cambridge’s coffin. Ronnie Henry made another great run down the right and his cross found Chris Beardsley who secured all 3 points for the Hertfordshire side. A good 3-1 win against a team we always seem to struggle against away from home. Our away form has been our strong point this season with wins against the likes of Luton and Mansfield.

After a good boxing day victory still very fresh in the mind, Boro entertained AFC Wimbledon at Broadhall Way for the first time. The Dons brought a strong following up from South West London and their presence helped raise the atmosphere for the game. Westley decided to field a diamond shaped midfield with Stacy Long given a rare opportunity to impress. Joel Byrom also returned to the midfield alongside Darren Murphy and David Bridges. Chris Beardsley partnered Yemi up front.

AFC Wimbledon came for the draw and started in a 4-5-1 formation with Jon Main their sole striker. Ross Montague played off Main, while there was also a return to BHW for Sam Hatton who came through the club’s EFCO scheme. It was quite an entertaining game, with chances at both ends, but neither team could find the breakthrough. AFC Wimbledon looked the more dangerous in the first half and Boro had to be thankful for Chris Day after he made a superb stop from Jon Main’s header. Minutes later the visitors hit the bar from the resulting corner.

Boro were looking to attack as well and Chris Beardsley had a good chance to open the scoring, but saw his tame effort saved by Brown. Boro continued to attack the flanks using the wing backs to good effect. Laird and Henry impressed going forward, although Laird’s distribution at times was a let down. From a corner, Chris Beardsley had a free header go wide of the target. Both sides went into the break level after an end to end first half.

It was another fairly even half in the second. Beardsley had another chance when he was sent clear by Murphy, but his shot was saved again by Brown. If Graham Westley does decide to go into the market this January then surely a striker must be high up on his shopping list? I think Beardsley and Yemi have come in and done well, but they’re not going to get you 20 goals a season. They would be good strike partners for a forward that could score that amount of goals at this level.

As the game drew to a close, the Dons began to counter attack. Ricky Wellard came close after a good run from midfield ended with him shooting just wide of the target. GW reacted, throwing on Boylan and he came close to scoring after a quick turn and shot. Unfortunately for him and Boro, the effort was weak and comfortable for the Dons keeper. A 0-0 draw that keeps us two points away from Oxford who also drew against Salisbury. In some ways it was a disappointing result because I felt we had enough chances to win the game, but to be fair AFC Wimbledon did their job and could of even sneaked it as well. We’ll need to perform better on Friday when Cambridge come to Hertfordshire looking for revenge after that Boxing Day defeat.

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Are Boro better without Morison?

22/12/2009 by sgmboro Leave a Comment

When Steve Morison left Broadhall Way in the summer for Millwall and League 1, many believed Stevenage would struggle to deal with the loss of their prolific striker. Some would argue that Boro still haven’t really replaced him, but the table suggests that Boro are doing just fine without him. Graham Westley’s side are 2nd in the Blue Square Premier, 5 points behind leaders Oxford United. So are we actually better without Steve Morison in the team?

Morison was signed by Mark Stimson just after the start of the 2006/2007 season. He joined after catching Stimson’s eye while playing for Bishop’s Stortford in the Blue Square South. His impact at Broadhall Way was immediate. He played up front on his own, with George Boyd playing just off him. The partnership just clicked. Boyd enjoyed his new role in an attacking midfield position whilst Morison was pouncing on any chance that came his way. Stevenage had the best strike force in the league. Morison scored 76 goals in 142 appearances in his time at Boro and is seen as one of the best players to have ever graced the Broadhall Way turf.

After months of speculation about his future, Morison finally left Boro for Millwall days after captaining the side to another FA Trophy triumph. Morison had been the captain of the team for the majority of the season, with Westley later saying that he was the only one who wanted the job at the time. After a poor start to the 2008/2009 season, GW said that there was a ‘split’ dressing room and that it was quite hostile at times. Not a nice place to be. Fair play though to Morison for stepping up to the extra responsibility. Although, he wasn’t one of the best captain’s that Boro have ever had, he did the job he was asked to do and was instrumental in the teams push for the play-offs in the second half of the season.

So what are we missing? Well it isn’t his goals. Stevenage have scored 6 more goals after 24 games this season than at the same stage last season. Although, I don’t think that is the whole story. While the stats will say that the team is better going forward this season, the goals have been shared out more throughout the team rather than relying on the one man.  It’s also worth noting that Boro are a much improved side this year and more chances have been created in the opening half of this season than at the same stage last season. Our problem this season is not being clinical enough in front of goal and maybe if we still had Morison in the side now, we would be closer to Oxford or even above them?

However, in my opinion I think the team has improved as a whole since Morison’s departure. Last season, Boro were a bit one dimensional. Morison was the target man and the player that all of Boro’s attacks went through. Westley’s team was built around his star striker, he was the first name on the teamsheet. However, if he was injured or marked out of the game then Boro would usually struggle. That was evident in the opening weeks of the season when Morison was suspended after being sent off at Wrexham. Boro failed to win any of the games he missed. This season we are not reliant on one man. We are more of a squad and I think that is one of the reasons why we are where we are now. GW can now chop and change his team how he sees fit and it seems to be working.

Overall, I think that Morison’s move to Millwall has suited everyone. Moro got his well deserved move into the football league after 3 fantastic seasons at Broadhall Way and is now beginning to show his supporters at the New Den why Kenny Jackett spent £160k on him. Meanwhile for Boro, Morison’s departure has allowed the team to move to the next level. Boro are a better team without him. No one player has stood out this season so far because all 11 players are working hard in each and every game and it is getting results. Graham Westley has adapted the way the team plays to compensate for the loss of Morison and as a whole it looks more solid and balanced. Hopefully it will continue going into 2010.

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Boro fail to make Wright move

21/12/2009 by sgmboro Leave a Comment

Stevenage Borough seem to have missed out on the signing of Tamworth striker Nick Wright. According to the BBC Sport website, Boro agreed terms with Tamworth for the 22 year old striker, but the move broke down due to the player not agreeing personal terms. It’s well known that Graham Westley is after another striker in the January transfer window and obviously believed that England C international Wright fitted the bill. Wright began his career at Birmingham City before loan spells at Bristol City and Northampton before joining non league Hawesowen Town. He finally joined Tamworth in October 2007.

Wright has scored 4 goals this season for Tamworth in their first season back in the Conference. Wright was also part of the Tamworth team that held us to a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the season. From what I remember of that game, Wright didn’t really impress me. I thought that Alex Rodman was their outstanding player and Bradley Pritchard also looked useful from midfield.

“A fee was agreed for Nick between the two clubs but unfortunately Nick’s people could not agree terms with Stevenage. We’ve sat down and had a good chat with Nick and if he doesn’t move he will still contribute to the football club. It’s all about how he does on the pitch. If he wants to get away he needs to play his heart out and similarly if he wants to stay he needs to train his heart out and get his place back in the team.” Darron Gee talking about Nick Wright’s future at Tamworth

In some ways, I’m quite happy that the move for Wright has fallen through because I don’t think he is the answer. I definately think we need to strengthen in attack because our finishing has cost us in some key games so far this season. Although Charlie Griffin has done well in some games, I think he has struggled in others and his finishing remains questionable. Chris Beardsley has proved that he is not a prolific striker, but more of a player that can link the midfield and main striker, while both Lee Boylan and Yemi Odubade have had their fair share of injuries so far this season. January will be an interesting month for Boro. I’m sure there will be some players moving both in and out of the club.

In other news, the club have confirmed the kick off times for the Cambridge fixtures over the Christmas & New Year period. Both games will start at 3pm and not 5.30pm as was rumoured on the forum a couple of days ago. The club have also reminded travelling Cambridge fans to get their ticket prior to the game at Broadhall Way on New Years Day as it will be strictly all ticket.

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Barrow game called off

18/12/2009 by sgmboro Leave a Comment

Boro’s game against Barrow tomorrow afternoon has been called off. Stevenage has seen some heavy snow fall in the last 24 hours and the pitch is deemed unplayable. According to the official website, there are 6 inches of snow covering the pitch and surrounding terraces. Also the paths/cyclepaths outside the ground are also quite dangerous at the moment. A date for the re-arranged game has not yet been announced.

UPDATE

With no football at all in the Conference today due to the weather, it was interesting to have a look at the rest of the divisions in the Football League and Premier League. Only 1 match survived in League 2 with leaders Rochdale beating Shrewsbury 4-0 at Spotland. Former Boro striker Steve Morison had an eventful afternoon as Millwall played Charlton in the south London derby. Morison hit two goals as Millwall took an early 2-0 lead. However, Deon Burton brought Charlton back into the game with 2 penalties. Nicky Bailey put Charlton ahead before Dave Martin equalised. Then Morison scored another goal, this time one in his own net to give Charlton the lead again late on. Just to add to the drama, Danny Schofield hit an equaliser 2 minutes into injury time to earn Millwall a point.

In the championship, George Boyd starred as Peterborough beat troubled Watford 2-1 at London Road. Boyd set up Lee Frecklington for the opening goal, before John Eustace scored for the Hornets to make it 1-1. Boyd was again involved for the winner, scored by former Kettering defender Exodus Geohaghon. Elsewhere, Swansea beat struggling Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at Hillsborough.  Nottingham Forest also continued their good form with a convincing 3-0 victory over Preston NE at the City Ground.

It was also another eventful day in the Premier League. Liverpool were beaten by bottom club Portsmouth 2-0 at Fratton Park. Goals from Nadir Belhadj and Frederic Piqionne were enough for Avram Grant’s side to move level with West Ham at the foot of the table. Manchester United were beaten 3-0 by Fulham at Craven Cottage. United’s defensive issues continue to affect them. Manchester City beat Sunderland 4-3 at Eastlands in what turned out to be Mark Hughes’ last game in charge. Hughes will now be replaced by Roberto Mancini, who used to manage Inter Milan in Serie A. Aston Villa and Tottenham continued their challenge for a top four place with wins over Stoke and Blackburn respectively, while Arsenal beat Hull in the late kick-off. Arsenal are now in 3rd place, just 2 points away from Manchester United with a game in hand.

For Boro, it is Cambridge United next. As always it will be a tough game for Westley’s side. Boro players will very much have revenge on their minds after the second leg play-off defeat last May. Cambridge haven’t been the same force this season as they were under Gary Brabin last season, but they will raise their game next weekend in front of a bumper, Boxing Day crowd. A win for the U’s will keep them in the hunt for a play-off spot while a win for Boro will keep the pressure on Oxford.

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Could Westley be off to Cheltenham?

14/12/2009 by sgmboro 2 Comments

Rumours surfaced this afternoon that Stevenage manager Graham Westley could be in line to become the new manager of League 2 Cheltenham Town. The Robins are without a manager after sacking Martin Allen last week. Allen was initially suspended by the club before being told he would be sacked after an ‘incident’ at a nightclub. Cheltenham, who were relegated from League 1 last season are currently in 21st place in the table, just 4 points above the relegation zone.

Whilst I doubt these rumours are true, even if they are, I can’t see Westley leaving the club now with the position it is in. Financially we are secure with no debts and on the pitch we are enjoying one of our best seasons since being promoted to the Conference back in 1994. In my opinion I think it is between us and Oxford for the title and I’m confident that if we continue to do our job then the U’s will slip up at some point.

Although I’m sure Westley would love the opportunity to manage in the football league, I don’t really see Cheltenham as much of a step up. Whaddon Road is a small stadium and they only average around 3,000 at home. I think Stevenage are capable of doing that if and when they get promoted. At the moment I think Boro are in a better position and some could argue are a better team. Going to Cheltenham would be a big job for Westley. He would have to save them from relegation to the Conference and try and sort out what is an ageing team, most of whom are out of contract in the summer. They also have one of the oldest strike partnership’s in the league in Barry Hayles and Julian Alsop.

In other news, Boro were handed another home tie in the next round of the FA Trophy this morning. This time, Blue Square North side Vauxhall Motors will be the visitors to Broadhall Way. Vauxhall are currently struggling at the bottom of the BSN and Boro will be confident of reaching the 3rd round. Vauxhall don’t really have any players that Boro fans will recognise. The only one I could see from their team profiles is former Altrincham defender Chris Lane, who isn’t the most popular figure in Stevenage.

Lastly, Histon don’t look like they will be around for much longer. Financial problems have hit the Cambridgeshire side hard and the club have already suspended manager Steve Fallon due to disagreements over budgets. Josh Simpson has been sold to Peterborough and key players such as Craig Pope, John Kennedy and Jamie Barker have had their contracts terminated at the Glassworld Stadium. It looks like it will be a tough end of the season for Histon.

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Trophy trail begins with win over Ebbsfleet

13/12/2009 by sgmboro Leave a Comment

Stevenage Borough comfortably beat Ebbsfleet United yesterday afternoon to maintain their outstanding FA Trophy record. Goals in either half from Chris Beardsley and David Bridges were enough to see off the 2008 winners. I’m pretty sure boss Graham Westley would of swapped the win yesterday with 3 points just over 10 days ago when Boro slumped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Liam Daish’s side, but nonetheless his team has bounced back well after that disappointment with 2 good, home victories.

GW named a stronger team than I expected with only Stacy Long and Michael Bostwick coming in to the team that beat Kidderminster a week ago. Mark Albrighton and Andy Drury made way. Long was given a chance to show what he could do on the right hand side against his former club and had a good game. On the other flank, Mitchell Cole, again, had another solid game. He was replaced late on by Albrighton as Boro tried to see the game out. Stefan Bailey, who’s two goals beat Boro a week ago, started in midfield alongside Gavin Heeroo. Magno Vieira began the game up front on his own.

Boro dominated the game for long spells, but again were found frustrated as they missed chance after chance. It was the home side that had the first opportunity when Michael Bostwick had a free-kick saved by Lance Cronin and Jon Ashton failed to convert the rebound. The Broadhall Way crowd didn’t have to wait long for the opening goal when a well worked free-kick from Long found Cole who crossed for Chris Beardsley to finish from close range. A well worked goal from 3 players who have been in and out of the team this season.

Boro continued to be the attacking force in the second half and about 10 minutes into the half, Long set up Cole again, who ran at Ross Smith before firing over. Cole was involved in most of Boro’s attacks and he had another chance soon after, but this time his effort grazed the bar. Yemi Odubade returned from injury in the second half, replacing Charlie Griffin, who had another frustrating afternoon. Yemi was soon in the action when he glanced a Cole cross just wide. It looked like Boro would just have to do with the 1 goal, but late on David Bridges fired in from outside the box after another Cole cross.

A good home win for Boro, who will now have a second round tie on the 9th January 2010. The draw is on Monday and I’m sure that GW will want another home tie hopefully against lower league opposition. Next up is Barrow, again at Broadhall Way. Barrow beat Kettering at Rockingham Road yesterday and are in quite good form at the moment so it won’t be an easy game.

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Ebbsfleet Preview

11/12/2009 by sgmboro Leave a Comment

Our defence of the FA Trophy begins tomorrow afternoon as Ebbsfleet visit Broadhall Way. It’s only 10 days since we last played Liam Daish’s side, who beat us 2-1 after a shocking second half performance. Manager Graham Westley must decide whether to take the Trophy seriously this season or not. The competition is being seen as less of a priority this season with the club in a good position to push for promotion in the new year. Boro need a strong end of year to keep up with Oxford United, who are currently 5 points clear with a game in hand.

I think some of the ‘fringe’ players to get a run out tomorrow afternoon, so expect the likes of Peter Vincenti, Stacy Long and Eddie Odhiambo to feature. I hope that they all perform well, if given the opportunity, and add to the already fierce competition for places within the squad. Ebbsfleet will be taking the Trophy seriously as their struggling at the wrong end of the Blue Square Premier table and are in financial difficulty with the ‘myfc’ project not going quite to plan. United would of been rock bottom had it not been for Chester’s points deduction.

Boro are in good form and the only blip they have had in the last few months was against tomorrow’s opponents. However, Boro have better memories from the game at Broadhall Way between the two sides earlier in the season. Stevenage recorded their first win of the season with Lawrie Wilson capping off a fine performance with the 3rd goal. Ebbsfleet were also knocked out of the FA Trophy last season by Boro in the semi final. Of course, we went on to win the Trophy for the second time in 3 years with a 2-0 win over York City at Wembley.

Although I think we will see a ‘weakened’ side tomorrow with GW resting key players ahead of the Christmas schedule, I still think we’ll win the game. The players that will come in will be chomping at the bit to try and force themselves into the starting eleven and I think we will see a good, competitive game. Stacy Long will be definately one of those players who will want to prove to Westley that he can have a part to play in Boro’s fight for the title. He’s been a bit unfortunate this season with his chances in the first team being limited, but I still think he can be a very good player for us. I thought it was a good move in the summer when we brought him in as I thought he could play in the ‘hole’ behind a lone striker and make create more chances. Hopefully, he’ll get a chance tomorrow.

In other news, The Comet has linked us with a move for Malta U19 goalkeeper Jean Matthias Vella. Like you, I know absolutely nothing about this fella. I didn’t even know that he was on trial with us, but The Comet seem to think that competition to sign him has increased with higher clubs being alerted to his availability. With Bayes and Day currently on the books as well as Ryan Rayner coming through, I don’t really see the point of bringing in another keeper.

Lastly, I came across this website that today which I think will have a lot of interest. If you didn’t know already, Chris Beardsley has set up his own blog on all things Boro. He gives readers an insight in to what it’s like to be Boro player and some of the banter that goes around the dressing room. Definately worth a read. You can find it now on the links page or here.

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