Borough desperate to arrest thrashings

Manager Alex Pike expects to give a debut to loanee central defender Harvey Reed from Eastleigh in the Southern League premier division.

It has been a cheerless week for all concerned at Borough with two desperately disappointing defeats.

The 5-0 thrashing at Banbury United was followed by an even bigger 7-1 hammering at home against King’s Lynn Town. Both results and performances dealt massive blows to the confidence of the Borough squad.

A huge improvement is needed if Borough are going to give themselves any chance of avoiding the one relegation spot.

They have to convince themselves they can go into the game against the Welsh team with a winning chance.

It is not beyond the realms of possibility as Merthyr are another team wracked by financial problems.

Earlier this season they were forced to virtually field their youth team after the majority of senior players walked out. They were thrashed 13-1 in that game but have since managed to create greater stability.

Like Borough though they are a team lacking in confidence after losing their last three games. The home side have to view this as their best chance yet to secure a first win of the year.

Pike said: ‘With injuries and suspension the central defensive position has been a problem. We need to stop conceding cheap goals and need greater solidity at the back.

‘A win against Merthyr would change the mood in the camp.

‘There is a lot of hard work still needed if we are to stay up. Games are slipping away fast. The players need to realise and grasp the reality of the situation very quickly.’

One player Borough are waiting anxiously on is forward Stephane Bombalenga.

The youngster has shown in the last couple of games that he possesses devastating shooting power.

In the 3-3 draw against Dorchester Town he scored with a remarkable 35-yard drive which flew into the net.

His shooting ability was one of the few bright spots against King’s Lynn.

Unfortunately he limped off the pitch with a dead leg and Borough will miss his shooting power if he fails to recover.

The team as a whole however is struggling to find any cohesion or shape.

Up front player-coach Craig McAllister is fighting a lone battle with little consistent support.

The most worrying area, though, is at the back where Borough look vulnerable and frail. Injuries to Rob Flooks and Ed Wakely along with Harry Medway’s three-match suspension have not helped matters.

Statistics tell the sorry tale with Borough conceding 30 goals in their last six games.

It has been a baptism of fire for young AFC Bournemouth loanee keeper Patrick O’Flahery who has been in for the last three games.

Borough are bottom of the league four points behind Dunstable Town with two games in hand.