Blues beat Stevenage to reach the Vertus Trophy semi-finals. Andy Munro watches.
Blues are rapidly turning into a modern version of Arsenal from way back with their propensity to win matches by the odd goal. It must just be a matter of time before a chant goes up on the Tilton of “One nil to the City Boys!” However, despite Blues general superiority it could have been different if Bailey Peacock-Farrell hadn’t pulled off a magnificent one on one save midway through the second half .
As usual, Chris Davies had made about eight changes but eventually he decided to bring on more of his big guns to get a result. This predictably paid off when a superb through ball from Marc Leonard saw Jay Stansfield outpace his two markers to coolly slot home.
Overall, however, it was the defence that took the honours, with not only the goalkeeper but Christoph Klarer, Grant Hanley and Alex Cochrane keeping the back door shut. The latter two particularly must be pleased with their performances given the massive competition for places.
Up front Alfie May and Scott Wright, Blues diddymen, were a constant nuisance to the opposition defence and were both unlucky not to be on the scoresheet.
The crowd number of under three thousand must be one of the lowest Blues have played under but the travelling contingent were as vociferous as ever, at the end going through a “We’re going to Wembley” songbook. However, it’s far from a done deal with recent winners Peterborough and the Welsh Galacticos two of the clubs lying in wait.
