To cup action again this week for the Boro in the 1st round of the Aldershot Senior Cup. This competition contains some of the top sides around the local area, so it would be great for the team to progress through to the later rounds for some much needed experience.
We weren't surprised to learn our opposition for this game was to be Sandhurst Sports, a team we've already met twice this season. Having already got the better of them on both occasions, confidence was high going into the game.
Ralst decided a couple of changes were needed for the starting XI this week. Kev and Benny started out the right and left wings respectively, with Luke joining Rich up front and Pricey dropping to the bench for this one.
It proved a good move, as the pace of our two strikers really stretched Sandhurst and gave Kev room to get into the game and enjoy his best performance in a long time. It wasnt long before the Boro took the lead. A neat ball from Paddy set Luke free who drilled the ball across the area from near the corner flag, Rich expertly got in front of his marker to fire home from close range. Great team goal - 1:0.
Only moments later and we were 2:0 up. A long throw from Luke found its way to Kev, who vollyed home from 12 yards out. Sandhurst looked as though their heads had dropped and were there for the taking. However, they responded well and got their lifeline minutes before half time. Good work by their no. 6 turning Neil on the edge of the box allowed him to drill a shot into the corner past Darran. 2:1.
Moments into the second half, and they nearly equalised. Another burst by the no. 6 meant Darran had to make a great save low to his left and scramble to clear the ball. This was the wake up call the Boro needed.
Paddy was instrumental in the middle and some fine passes first set Rich free to score a trade-mark finish from the left to beat the on-rushing keeper and then a lovely ball through the defence allowed Kev to stroke home the fourth. 4:1 and we were cruising. Rich soon added a fifth with good work from Luke, and the game was over at 5:1.
The Ref however had been causing us problems all game with bizarre decisions, and he appeared to want to make more of a game of it by awarding Sandhurst very soft free kicks in some dangerous areas. One particular free kick deflected off Neil sent Darran flying across the goal to prevent us conceding. However as the final minutes played out Sandhurst were gifted 2 late goals. One by the Ref in awarding a penalty for an seemingly 'invisible' push from Neil and then by our own poor defending from a corner.
Unfortunately, a poor end after a good performance, but the Boro march on!
Special mention must go to Holmesy for bravely admitting to Ralst that in the 10 minutes he was on, he didnt touch the ball and we conceded 2 goals. I doubt they'll be much money changing hands this week on whether he makes the starting XI against Hale!
Final score - 5:3, and 2nd round drawn against Cove FC.
