Boylan 59

 

Stevenage Borough recorded their ninth straight win on Tuesday evening as they squeezed past Woking at Lamex Stadium. Lee Boylan’s goal just before the hour mark was enough to bank the three points for Borough against a spirited Woking side.

 

It was a good, and necessary win for Borough, even though the performance was not as easy on the eye as recent encounters. The important thing for Stevenage was to record the win and winning scruffy is something else to add to this side.

 

That’s not to say that the whole game was dishevelled. Borough started brightly and on many occasions showed the fluent football that has made them a joy to watch in recent weeks. They signalled their intentions when Steve Morison played an absolutely delightful pass on the volley to Mitchell Cole, whose first touch took the ball away from him leading to his shot rising over the bar.

 

Moments later Cole tried to repay the favour when he lofted the ball over his marker, but Morison couldn’t get to the ball and the chance was gone. Borough continued to create chances as David Bridges headed into Danny Knowles’ arms from Andy Drury’s free kick.  Mitchell Cole had another good opportunity in the area but couldn’t find the target.

 

Cole, Drury, Boylan and Morison were working well together but the game took a turn at the halfway point of the half. Woking introduced more of the long ball which was mirrored by Borough as Ashley Bayes and the defence dealt with the balls. Goalmouth action was at a premium as Woking were left to speculative long shots.

 

On the stroke of half time Borough were dealt another blow as Ronnie Henry was substituted with a knock to his knee and Darren Murphy was swapped with a suspected hamstring injury. Jon Ashton was handed his debut at the heart of the Borough defence and Lawrie Wilson returned to the set up.

Woking looked a little brighter and they carved their best opportunity when Kelvin Bossman sent the ball into the area, but nobody could get a foot to the ball as Borough rode their luck.

 

Borough then gained the ascendancy once more. Bridges saw another header saved well by Knowles from a lofted ball by Michael Bostwick, Knowles reactions clearly intact. Borough took the lead eventually when Wilson got a good pass to Boylan who worked well to gain space and slide the ball under the goalkeeper.

 

Borough searched to make the game safe and Morison was unlucky to see his downward header saved well by Knowles.

 

Woking were not content to let Borough have it all their own way and despite limiting Boroughs chances they managed an excellent set piece that almost earned them a draw. The impressive Oliver Bozanic received a free kick  and his little run and shot went just wide sending fans hearts straight into their mouths.

 

A hallmark of many a match between these two sides has been late goals and Borough nearly settled the tie in injury time. Morison took his time with a downward volley that hit the ground and bounced over the bar.

 

Borough were good value for their win in terms of chances but Woking can be proud of the effort and endeavour their side showed. For Borough this was their 16^th game unbeaten and it is their longest run of straight wins in over fifteen years.

 

Borough continue their assault on all fronts on Wednesday evening as they face Leaverstock Green in the Herts Senior cup before travelling to Altrincham on Saturday. If Borough stay in this impressive form, who knows where it will lead for Graham Westley’s men.

 

Stevenage Borough (4-4-2) A Bayes – R Henry (Sub: L Wilson, 42 mins), M Bostwick, M Roberts, S Laird – A Drury, D Bridges, D Murphy ( Sub: J Ashton, 43 mins), M Cole (Sub: P Vincenti, 78 mins)– L Boylan, S Morison. Substitutes Not Used: C Willock, M Albrighton

Attendance: 1965