A bit of a short one tonight because there isn’t much news about and there’s been a lot of football on TV in the last few nights.

Firstly, Boro strolled into the next round of the Herts Senior Cup with a 4-1 win over Leverstock Green. Although the trophy isn’t high on Graham Westley’s agenda, he fielded a reasonably strong side. Fringe players like Eddie Odhiambo, Ashley Bayes, Stacy Long and Peter Vincenti all started alongside some regulars including Darren Murphy and Joel Byrom. There was also a run out for 1st team coach Dino Maamria in defence alongside Mark Albrighton.

I assume that GW wanted to give some of these players some game time before they possibly get the chance to play against Ebbsfleet on Saturday in the FA Trophy. With the club doing well in the league, I don’t think we will give the FA Trophy the same focus this season as we have done in previous, so I think it’s likely that we will see the likes of Bayes, Long and Vincenti feature this Saturday when Liam Daish brings his young side to Broadhall Way.

Stevenage took the lead when Joel Byrom’s free-kick ended up in the back of the net. Boro then went 2-0 up thanks to an own goal by Lee Johnson, although Leverstock did pull a goal back when Louis West fired home from the penalty spot. Stevenage though were never really in any danger of going out early and restored their 2 goal lead when Stacy Long scored his first goal for the club with an impressive effort from outside the box. Mitchell Cole finished off his good week by firing in the fourth after good work from Darren Murphy. Cole’s performances in the last 2 games will have improved his confidence going into the busy Christmas period.

Away from Broadhall Way and rivals Kettering were knocked out the FA Cup by Leeds United last night. Anthony Elding’s equaliser looked to have been enough to earn the Poppies a penalty shoot-out, but the Conference side capitulated in extra time and were eventually hammered 5-1 with Mike Grella in particular impressing in front of goal. Tonight was Staines Town’s turn to try and knock out league opposition in order to make the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Millwall though were too strong for them and goals from Jack Smith, Alan Dunne, Danny Schofield and former Boro striker Steve Morison gave the South Londoners a 4-0 win. They now face Derby in the next round.