Three weeks since their last outing, Boreham came into this much needed league game missing several key players. Worthington, Charter (both hols), Stammers and Jay Dale (both working) meant that Boreham just about got a bare 11 ready for this potentially tricky away tie. Among the 11 was new signing Ross Havercroft who last played (and missed key penalties) for Boreham some 4 or 5 years ago. The 11 that made the trip were none the less a strong 11 lining up in familiar positions; McGlynn was welcomed back in the sticks, Havercroft stepped in a right back with Parsons, Simpson and Powell completing the back four. Goodchild and Rush in centre midfield, with Smith and Ince on the wings. Cowcher was joined by the versatile Adam Dale up top. The game got off to a slow start for both teams as neither team was able to play much passing football on the tricky surface, as a result chances were at a premium. Boreham did go close a couple of times early on, most notably Dale shooting wide from the edge of the box. The home side rarely troubled their visitors but mid way through the half a long ball over the top caught out the Boreham defense and the Silver End striker raced clear to finish well. 10 minutes later, Silver End managed to break clear again despite the lino's flag being raised, I similar finish followed and suddenly Boreham found themselves 2-0 down. In the final few minutes of the half, Boreham did pull one back. A nice move started at the back where Goodchild collected the ball from Havercroft, Gooders picked out Ince on the right and Ince crossed over for Dale to cushion a header into Cowchers path where the brave Boreham forward dived to nod the ball home with the keeper advancing. A nice goal and just what the visitors needed minutes before the break. The half time whistle blew 2-1 to the home side. A stern talking followed at half time, too many players not up for it and having off days and a call to encourage each other rather than getting on each other backs, we all make mistakes and none of us play for Man U! Boreham came out the stronger on the second half, now shooting 'downhill' and with their hosts seemingly tiring. Rarely were the Boreham backline troubled as they continued to push for the equaliser. 20 minutes into the second half the equaliser did finally arrive. Some great work by Parsons saw him reach the byline and drag back a low cross which found Dale inside the box who finished confidently at the near post, 2-2! Not long after Boreham went ahead for the first time in the game. A nice ball forward by Powell was meet by the flick of Dale where Smith ran on to the ball and caught the opposing right back off balance. Now through on goal Smith managed to find the net at the near post, wrong footing the keeper. 3-2! With around 10 minutes to go, a corner from the right by Smith wasn't dealt with by the Silver End defense and the ball eventually fell to Cowcher to smash home from a few yards out for his second of the game and looking like killing the game off. A few minutes remained and a terribly harsh incident occurred. Man of the Match Dale, lively and a constant threat all game, was running at the defense and then broke down in agony. A reoccurring ankle injury looked to have come back to haunt him. Dale was carried off the pitch and ultimately taken to A&E. With just 3 minutes remaining Boreham looking to close out the game, however a Silver End corner did find its way in past Magsy in goal to give a nervy few final seconds. The full time whistle blew and Boreham hold on for the 3 points and the 4-3 victory. Not the greatest performance of the season, but 3 points never the less. Next week sees division 1 outfit Hutton visit the rec for the Dave Strachan cup 1/4 encounter. Massive game for Boreham who on their day know they can be a match for teams in the league above.
