Match Report:

Arlesey Town FC v Stevenage Borough FC

Friendly match

Saturday 21st July - 3:00pm

Boro wer struck back last Saturday at Arlesey as they were shown what complacency does to you. Their second pre-season friendly left them with a lot on their minds in order to improve for their promotion challenge next season. The exceptionally tidy Hitchin Road ground is a credit to the Ryman League club who are about to embark upon their first season in Division Two and their team clearly know a lot about each others playing strengths. As for the Boro' line up this afternoon, they patently did not resemble anything like a team. Made up of squad players, youngsters and triallists interspersed with just three recognised first teamers, Boro's performance was largely lacking in cohesion, commitment or passion.

Steve Walters continued with his great start in midfield and ex-Luton Town man Gavin McGowan debuting at right back started well but faded. It took something like twenty minutes before Lee Ward in the Town goal was even forced into making a save, this an Andy Arnott header from the edge of the area. However by this time Boro' were already a goal behind after a short corner between Paul Armstrong and John Morgan broke down and Dean Harding galloped the full length of the pitch, outstripped the chasing Morgan and planted an inch perfect cross for ex Boro' war horse Neil TREBBLE to head past James Hasell unchallenged.

The mediocrity was set to continue with Boro's front line virtually non existent, Neil Illman flicking balls to empty spaces, Mark Bridge running but achieving little whilst the "wing twins" Morgan and Armstrong would appear to have lost some of their spark that offered so much promise last season. It would not be unreasonable to expect Boro's fringe prospects to shine against todays opposition, but this was not to be for this 90 minutes. A second goal was conceded on 38 minutes when an Arlesey throw in dropped to Mark Smith in the area, his sliced clearance fell invitingly for HARDING to drill low into the corner from close range.

Half Time Score : Town 2 - 0 Boro'

In Paul Faircloughs absence, the half time riot act was delivered by Kevin Hales and Keith Allinson and for the first ten minutes appeared to have had some effect. A Morgan corner was headed back by Armstrong arriving at the far post but Illmam drove his shot over the bar.

Similar screamers fell to ex-Peterborough man Richard Scott but in general there was at last a sense of purpose spreading through the side unfortunately only lasting until the 57th minute when a Trebble flick on allowed Tony FONTENELLE all the time in the world to bury the ball for Town's third goal.

Many changes unannounced were made by Arlesey, whilst Boro' had four youngsters on the bench, two of whom manufactured Boro's consolation in the 88th minute.

Probably the best move of the match saw a good build up from the back and Illman's raking pass releasing Luke Longman for Jack MIDSON to meet his cross with a deft header. From the restart Illman was brought down in the box and Mark Smith stepped up to hit the spot kick to Martyn Patchings left but the replacement keeper guessed right and the scoreline finished 3 - 1.

Not a good day at the office you might say, my lesson learned today is must visit the bar before the kick-off in future, at least the proceedings could contain an element of humour that is hard to find when you are stone cold sober.

Full Time Score : 3-1

 Up the Boro!

Written by Turbo – stevenageborofc.cjb.net’s own die-hard Boro fan!