News

BOROUGH COMPLETE MID-WEEK "DOUBLE"

Borough secured their second win of the week against the same opponents this time at Barking's Mayesbrook Park ground.   As on Tuesday, Borough took a two goal lead netting in the 19th and 59th minutes but after Barking pulled one back a nervy last twenty five minutes ensued.

BOROUGH LEAVE IT LATE

Just when it seemed  Borough might record their second goal-less stalemate in four days all came good in the last quarter of an entertaining home match with Barking.  But despite much attractive approachwork both the goals in the 2-0 win were down to Barking's defensive errors;  Walid Matata was quick to take advantage of a mix-up between 'keeper and defenders and added the second from the spot following a handball.  Earlier Borough had been frustrated by some fine saves from their former goalkeeper Damos Horvath and goal line clearances.

UNBEATEN RUN STRETCHED TO FIVE - BUT 2 POINTS LOST

Borough somehow contrived to return from Southend Manor without scoring in a game  they totally dominated, especially in the second half, while their opponents never managed to test Borough 'keeper Austin Byfield throughout.   In truth Borough almost certainly scored at least one goal, possibly two, as first half shots crashed against the underside of the bar but were deemed not to have totally crossed the line when they bounced down.  The bar again caused further frustration in the second half when a free kick beat the keeper.   Corner followed corner and it seemed a goal must come but dogged defending saw Manor hold on to a point significantly aided by Borough's lacklustre finishing and the lack of variety or inspiration in their approach play.

HAT TRICK FOR NEW STRIKER

Walid Matata, signed earlier in the week having previously been with Ryman League Club Erith & Belvedere, announced his arrival with a hat-trick in Borough's 4-1 home win over Bowers & Pitsea.   One penalty, one header, one precise shot.   Borough were three ahead by the interval and added their fourth in a more even second half in which they were subjected to an aerial bombardment of corners, free kicks and long throws but it was a flowing along the ground move which brought the visitors their consolation.  The win lifted Borough to 5th in the table leaving them some 16 points behind the joint leaders - both yet to visit Coles Park - but with 4 games in hand.

WINNING RUN CONTINUES

Borough won their 3rd game in 7 days against visiting Hullbridge Sports after getting off to a flying start with Steve Obeng's fierce drive after 4 minutes.  After an even first half Daniel Aristidou met a fine cross by Anthony McDonald at the far post to power the ball back across the keeper to double the lead a few moments before the interval.    Ten minutes into the second half saw  the win  effecively sealed by another rocket drive from Obeng and although the visitors pulled one back five minutes from time Borough's victory never looked seriously threatened.

BOROUGH JUST EDGE IT

The decision to cede ground advantage and play the home game at Ilford's ground was just about vindicated by a late winner after a two goal lead had been carelessly thrown away.  The sparkle which had seen last Wednesdays opponents swept aside was missing.

HIGHEST SCORE OF THE SEASON

Midweek fixtures seem to suit Borough as they brought their tally to 12 from the last two such games as they cruised to a 7-0 win at the Mile End Stadium against Sporting Bengal United.    Borough shrugged off the handicap of having a player red-carded after 15 minutes although fortunately they were two goals to the good by then.  The home side were reduced to 10 men as well when the goalkeeper was sent off fifteen minutes from the end and his replacement picked from the net the resultant penalty which brought the total to six.  A home player picked up a second yellow card two minutes from time and Borough concluded the scoring with their seventh in the last minute.

NARROW DEFEAT IN GAME DECIDED BY SET PIECES

A Borough penalty slotted home by Dean Fenton eight minutes from time set up a nervy finish for their table topping hosts Great Wakering Rovers whose two goals were also the result of set pieces.   Late in the first half a header was glanced home when a free kick was driven over and early in the second half a corner was headed out only for it to be driven into the top corner with a powerful blast from the edge of the penalty box.