In 2 the Valley

Dark Lane, Rossendale was the venue for Boro fans to gather and would hope to see an away victory in the league. It was to be a struggle to fill a team sheet for Boro management with the in form Griff Jones sidelined through injury and Lee Unsworth and Tom Brookes personal commitments keeping them away. Ben Wharton a new face at Boro starting on the bench. Tom Rutter would be Roscoes strike partner for the day. The games early pattern was to be a testing one for Rutter who was subjected to a series of poor challenges It was evident early on that the ref would need to have his cards handy. Boro looked comfortable from the start and looked confident in each forward move. Roscoe soon got into his rythmn of winning the air space. Rutter would soon catch on. Chances were starting to appear for Boro through early corners and free kicks. The goal soon came . Howson now looking very comfortable in defence floated a free kick that Roscoe glanced on towards Dawson, the keeper gets something on the first attempt but not the second as Dawson stays in the six yard box to finish easily for the opener to Boro. 1-0! Roscoe shows deep to pick up the ball and spray a fantastic ball across field to Drew, the move doesnt end in waht the pass deserved. Rutter takes another foul and this time Roscoe lines it up, Roscoe goes for the drive and it wizzes past the keeper from 22 yards to put Boro 2 up on 30 minutes. Priestley as yet to be threatened and the only danger is in the home half. Boro look for the third and are looking good. Rossendale receive thier third yellow in the half and show little to deny thier lowly league spot. The last chance of the half falls for Boro from a corner that is flicked by a defender into the keepers arms. The half ends with Boro looking by far the better side. They start the second in the same vein and flowing football is soon seen through Roscoe and Rutter. Drew is found in acres by Roscoe and he can only scoop the ball over rather than hit the target from a great position. Chances continue to appear for Boro . The midfield continue to hurry Rossendale play, Drew as a niggly tackle punished by the referee with a yellow. Great play by Boro to open the home defence and when in a great slot Drew chooses to shoot with other options on the menu. Rossendale start to make more of a fist for it but still no saves are needed by the visiting keeper. Subs are introduced to help but it may be too little too late. The move of the game sees Sampson start with good quick play by Roberts his cross is perfect for the arrival of Roscoe at the near post , he guides it narrowly wide. Rutter is at the end of his game after too many kicks see the better of him , his replacement is debutant Ben Wharton. The game is more even now butRossendale still have no potency up front. The referee is keen to act on a tackle by Drew but on reflection chooses no card. drew is not so lucky minutes later when is tackle is punished by his second yellow and an early shower beckons. A referees decision largely made by the opponents dug out. Boro never looked in danger in the game with individual efforts from the boro team impressive.Boro should have made it three but Wharton couldnt convert. There is two balls on the pitch , they think its all over, it is now! The result was well deserved with Michael Oates gutsy selfless running the pick for my man of the match. The squad is thin but are a group of players who are capable of addapting to varies roles, Howson a fine example, Rutter full back midfielder, forward. This was a good win. The boro faithful sang loud and applauded each man off and rightly so,

see you Monday

Paul.