|
 Ben Austin returned to The Sports from suspension in a starting line-up that otherwise remained unchanged from the win over Maidenhead United. The last visit to Clarence Park was not a happy one and Garry Wilson and Nick Greenwood were adamant that a similar performance would not be repeated.
Boro started playing up the hill in temperatures approaching 28 degrees, fitness would again prove vital in this away fixture. Determination to leave St Albans with all 3 points was in early evidence as Andy Atkin almost made the most of a defensive error by Junior Harvey. Atkin cut inside and a fierce left-foot shot found the net, but unfortunately for him the side netting. Boro were well on top and playing fantastic football both through the middle of the park and utilising both wings. Scott Ramsay was unlucky on 2 early occasions, strong last minute defence and a lack of control denying shooting chances. City were being forced to play mostly on the break for the opening period of the match and forced a series of corners. The home side eventually got to grips with the conditions and aided by the Clarence Park slope dominated territorially over the 1st 15 minutes without causing Lee Hook too many problems. Howerver on 19 minutes the home sides lack of goals this season was demonstrated by a series of chances, most notably for Hector Mackie, where shots were scuffed wide or plain and simple off target.
Boro took the lead on 27 minutes through Scott Ramsay. Matt Smart and Paul Armstrong combined well in the middle of the park, the through ball found Ramsay 12 yards out and his shot left the excellent Nick Eyre no chance. 1-0 The Sports. Boro threatened to run riot in the period after the goal. Matt Crabb forced an excellent save from Eyre on 28 minutes, Ramsay’s centered header from a free-kick required a scrambled clearance with Atkin waiting to pounce, and Pat Hardings header on 33 minutes again required a save. On 36 minutes Ramsay grabbed his 2nd goal of the game. A quickly taken free-kick caught St Albans napping and Scott took one touch to unsettle his marker but his 2nd was to strike the ball high into the net for 2-0.
Boro continued to dominate directly after the 2nd goal but on 39 minutes as Boro failed to clear their lines an excellent left-wing low cross found it’s way across the 18 yard box to Danny Morgan who left Hook with no chance, 2-1. The half-time came but not before Eyre had made excellent saves from Ramsay and Atkin, a halfhearted appeal for a penalty as Atkin appeared to be pulled back challenging with the keeper, and a Matt Smart effort was cleared off the line.
Half-time saw both sides make changes, Hann and Ballard replacing Mackie and Baker. Boro started the half as they ended the 1st. Atkin thumped a near post header wide from a Crabb corner and Ramsay, just as he was about to strike from 8 yards was pushed to the floor by Elphick, vocal appeals from Boro players and supporters again turned down. Ramsay almost turned provider as his neat back heel found Harding who’s shot was again saved by Eyre. Despite this pressure it was the home side who scored again. On 49 minutes another delivery from the left travelled the full distance across the Boro area, this time Mark Beard stroked the ball home for 2-2.
The match was now there for the taking for either side. Boro had had the lions share of play and chances but were thwarted by Eyre, St Albans had made the most of their opportunities and were now beginning to feel they could get something from a match that appeared lost in the 1st half. On 72 minutes sub Hann had the perfect chance to take the lead. A poor pass in the centre circle allowed St Albans to intercept and set Hann away. His early shot was low and powerful but wide of Hooks left-hand near post as Boro attempted to close him down. The 2nd half was a more even affair than the 1st, the time spent toiling in the heat requiring several drinks breaks, but on 81 minutes Boro scored the goal that settled the match and produced the 3 points the chances created had deserved. Ramsay nodded down a Crabb corner and as the ball cleared the 18 yard box Jay Lovett (above, enjoying a well earned drink after the final whistle) met the ball 1st time with his left foot. Eyre had no chance, the pace of the shot and the crowd of players obscured his view, the ball flew just inside the post for 3-2 Boro. Nathan Crabb created havoc in the closing moments, his pace and trickery hard to counter, and Harding had a couple of chances to add to the 1 goal advantage. St Albans had a final chance to share the points on 90 minutes but the deep cross would not drop for a yellow head.
Match Details - Webmaster.
|
