Boro’ kept their third consecutive clean sheet with a battling performance in this 0-0 draw at Aylesbury United on Saturday - they have yet to concede a goal in October and Saturday’s draw follows victories away to Aldershot Town and at home to Ford United. Boro’ now lie in a comfortable mid table position in the League Table with virtually a third of the season gone.

In a game where chances were few and defences were generally on top, Boro’ had to withstand early pressure from their hosts. It was the visitors who nearly drew first blood however when after just 10 minutes a Ross Fitzsimon free kick from 35 yards caught home custodian Chris Day napping, but unfortunately it dipped a fraction late and onto the top of the net.

The former England Under 21 International who is currently on loan from Queens Park Rangers was beaten again 10 minutes later by a Pat Gavin header only for it to be blocked on the line by Greg Williams amid a suspicion that the ball struck his arm.

The hosts stepped up the pace and Jimmy Aggrey cleared off the Boro’ line after good work Gareth Risbridger. Both Fitzsimon and Richard Goddard shot wide for Boro’ before Daniel Dyer was presented with a good opportunity after a fine cross from the left -his first time shot being dragged wide of the far post.

It wasn’t until the 40th minute that the home side tested Keita Karamoko, who was back in the Boro’ goal following International duty with Mali in the Qualifying Rounds for the African Nations Cup. Williams clipped a 25 yard free kick over the wall only for the ball to be tipped over the bar by Boro’s custodian.

Aylesbury started the second half strongly and Kesie Ibe shot over the bar, but yet again it was Boro’ who threatened more obviously to break the deadlock. Firstly, John Lawford shot wide after Richard Goddard had won an important header and then home defender Phil Dicker was called upon to clear off the line following another aerial victory by Boro’s tall No. 10. Boro’s appeals for a penalty fell on deaf ears after John Lawford appeared to be bundled over in the box.

Chances for either side remained few and far between, but Karamoko was called upon to save bravely in a one-on-one with Craig Maskell and although the lively Roni Joe caused a few problems for the Boro’ back line they held firm to see Boro’ coming away with a well-earned point.

  1 - Chris Day
  2 - Greg Williams
  3 - Sam Sloma
  4 - Richard Horner
   (sub Phil Dicker 55)
  5 - Daniel Gordon
  6 - Adam Campion
  7 - Gareth Risbridger
  8 - Fiston Manuella
  9 - Chris Bangura
10 - Kesie Ibe
   (sub Craig Maskell 80)
11 - Joe Baker
   (sub Roni Joe 67)