Poole Borough Football Club
Season 2003/04

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Borough Man of the Match: Scott Orchard

For the second week in succession Borough were unable to capitalise on some good approach play as they fell to a single goal defeat at the Avenue Stadium, leaving the Magpies to extend their unbeaten run to 5 games and record their fourth consecutive clean sheet.

Borough were denied an early opener on 7 minutes after Les Elsworth in the home goal could only parry a fiercely driven free-kick from James Edwards, and with Steve Russell the first to the rebound the home keeper recovered well to block the resulting shot.

Borough seemed to enjoy the experience of playing on the Avenue's excellent surface, and which suited their passing game but despite forays down both wings they were unable to create a clear opening.

On 12 minutes Adam Nash did well to tip over a 30-yard shot from Simon Critchell and 5 minutes later he was equal to a sharp header from Steve Gilbert to divert it over the top. However from the resulting corner Nash could only parry the cross and Steve Llewelyn steered the ball in off the inside of the far post.

The Magpies were gifted a chance on 26 minutes when the linesman kept his flag down as a forward ran through from an offside position but as he hesitated Shaun Clarke did well to get back to nudge the ball away.

Borough nearly equalised two minutes later as they were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area and Edwards squared the ball to Stuart Merrell whose low drive was well saved by Elsworth at full stretch. Merrell came close again five minutes from the break as he got his head to a corner, which beat Elsworth but was cleared off the line.

Half Time: 1-0

Immediately after the restart, Martin White steered a near post header from a left wing cross just over, but it was soon apparent that the pendulum had swung, as Dorchester pushed Borough back for much of the second period.

However the Hornets defended resolutely to stay in the game despite loosing former Magpie Tony White through injury only 10 minutes into the half, and even through they enjoyed the majority of possession the home side were restricted to only couple of sound opportunities, which were both off target.

It almost paid dividends for Borough in injury time as substitute Bradley Asagba blocked a home clearance in the area but the ball ricocheted just the wrong side of the post.

Borough: Adam Nash, Shaun Clarke, Tony White (Jamie Wilson 54), Scott Orchard, Martin White, Stuart Merrell, James Edwards, Alex Gunn (Matt Bircumshaw 77), Gary Fooks, Kieron Campbell (Bradley Asagba 87), Steve Russell.

Managers Comments ..............................

Town boss Phil Simkin said: "They gave us a hard game although we did not play particularly well in the first half. They gave us a lot to think about before the break but after that we took control. We had a blatant penalty not given which was disappointing but I cannot complain with the way things are going. We have only conceded eight goals in 15 games which is fantastic."

Borough manager Peter Morrell said: "It was a disappointing goal to give away as it came from a corner which we thought came after an offside. We played really well in the first half and we made two really good chances but their keeper produced some great saves. I cannot really have a go at the lads but it would be nice if we started turning some of these good performances into a few more wins."