For the 2nd time in the
week an ex League side arrived at Priory Lane. This time
the visitors were Wrexham, a club with a long and distinguished
history that included numerous European adventures. The
side from North Wales had beaten Boro 5-0 earlier in the
season; this would be a challenge !
Andy Atkin had not recovered from an injury sustained
in the Oxford United defeat, Nathan Crabb joined elder
brother Matt in the starting XI, partnering Jack Jeffery
up front.
The wind blew again at Priory Lane and Boro started with
the 'gale' at their backs and they started brightly. Neil
Jenkins played a superb ball through to Nathan Crabb.
Nathan's accurate cross found Paul Armstrong in the 18
yard box but his volley was over the bar. The home side
dominated the opening 45 but were restricted to a Ben
Austin header from his skippers chipped cross for goal
scoring opportunities, Aurelien Collin obviously planning
for a career as a linesman, signaling to the referees
assistant for 'offside', and more often than not the official
providing his agreement.
The visitors started brightly in the 2nd 45; Ryan Flynn
wasting a golden opportunity to hit the target on 52 minutes
but Boro quickly re-established dominance. On the hour
mark Austin prodded a Jenkins free-kick goal ward only
to see his effort saved, and moments later Nathan's fabulous
pull-back was met by Armstrong; Collin throwing his body
in the way of the goal bound effort. With both sides making
changes and the minutes running down many in the Boro
crowd would have been looking to secure the draw. Matt
Smart, as so often before, had other ideas, and as MOM
Dan Brown's header from a Matt Crabb corner was saved
'Smarty' followed up to head home from close range. With
5 minutes of time added on (found from 'somewhere') to
negotiate Marc Pullan was required to make a timely tackle
before Mr. Lee (after 7 and a half minutes !) called time
and 'cued' celebrations.
'We hoped to pick up points
from the big boys but focus on the teams around us' was
Garry Wilson's (paraphrased) comment. Well this was a
big 3 points for the club. Neither side had been in good
form over recent weeks and a late 2 points lost at Histon
and an 'undeserved' 3-0 reversal only days before could
have seen spirits falling in the dressing room. The result
and the performance laid to rest any fears of such a scenario.
MOM's can be selected for several reasons - important
goals, saves, impact from the bench, overall contribution.
Although Dan Brown received the accolade the whole side
had a claim, and morale in the camp is high as the games
come thick and fast at the business end of the season.
Congratulations should also be offered to Lee Hook, his
300th appearance for 'The Sports' producing a clean sheet.
Words - Lee Peskett
Pictures - Lee Smith
