Stevenage v Morecambe player ratings

Stevenage

16 Chris Day: 7.5. Quiet game until the last few minutes for the unflappable Day praised this month by boss Sheringham for his utter professionalism and commitment to the Stevenage cause.

3 Lee Cox: 7. Solid game from the new lad on loan from Plymouth. Looks a good addition to Sheringham’s squad. Offered a solid presence defensively and kept his shape well, though will be disappointed he lost his temper after a late challenge saw him riled.

5 Fraser Franks: 7.5. Another effective game as he grows into his role. Calm, tough and consistent. Deserved his ovation on being replaced by Mark Hughes with 15 minutes remaining.

7 Chris Whelpdale: 9.5. For me the best performance from a Boro player this season - and the highest rating. At the heart of a lot of the good work Boro produced as they moved the ball effectively on the ground. Showed great vision and technique to hit a low curling drive that left Shrimps keeper Roche rooted to the spot to make to 2-1 in a hectic start. Also possesses a great leap on him which is yet another weapon in his armoury – not to mention his relish in attending to his defensive duties. Made amends for his penalty miss with a great goal early in the second half and his unbridled joy in celebrating his hat-trick was nice to see. Fully deserved his standing ovation on being subbed late on.

10 Jamille Matt: 7. I interviewed the on-loan former Fleetwood Town man last week and was struck by his single-minded determination to re-ignite his career at Boro. Certainly played with a point to prove as he showed glimpses of the talent and technique that saw the Cod Army pay a reputed £300,000 for him. Holds the ball up really well with his back to goal, and always looked lively.

11 Tom Pett: 7. Showed an impressive willingness to muck in showing the way with some full blooded blocks which encouraged the crowd and his team-mates. Unlucky with a low early shot that Shrimps keeper Roche did well to push round the post.

15 Michael Tonge: 7.5. The former Sheffield United man showed his experience by underlining the value of keeping it simple. Whether it be through easy but intelligent balls to well-placed teammates in the heart of battle, or through an unflustered temperament, the fact remains Tonge is a class act at this level. Such a shame Boro are denied the solidity Schumacher and he could prove as two defensive shields when up against it.

19 Dean Wells: 7.5. It might be Movember but the committed Wells proved beards are best as he showed good technique in driving the ball past a busy Roche to put a confident Boro 1-0 up. Strong in the air, difficult to beat on the deck, and never takes any prisoners - which is what you want from a defender first and foremost.

25 Ronnie Henry (c): 8. The captain underlined his chairman’s assertion that Boro are looking like a typical Stevenage side again in terms of being hard to beat and hard to play against. Never stopped working, and always involved in building attacks and equally in helping break up play.

30 Connor Ogilvie: 7. The highly-rated on-loan Spurs youngster will have gained from being up against hard lower league defenders. A lot to learn but appears eager and willing to progress – which bodes well for him and Boro.

33 Ben Kennedy: 7. The Northern Ireland U19 international won a penalty that could be described as fortuitous – but then missed it. To be fair it was a good penalty low to Roche’s right, he was just unfortunate the away keeper was on good form.

Subs

6 Mark Hughes: 7. On for Franks with 15 minutes left to a disappointing reception from the Morecambe fans - even if the tough centre half won’t be bothered in the slightest.

22 Charlie Lee: 7. On for hat-trick man Whelpdale late on.

Morecambe

1 Barry Roche: 7. Busy start for the pink-shirted keeper as he stood firm against the home side’s early onslaught. Showed great anticipation in getting down low to save Kennedy’s penalty, and again when smothering Whelpdale’s weak effort. Good distribution, although you could question his effectiveness in dealing with aerial balls. A game he won’t forget in a hurry.

2 Shaun Beeley (c): 6.5. Uncompromising performance from the Shrimps captain but also capable of unexpected finesse as evidenced by confidently chesting the ball back to Roche following a probing deep cross by Henry.

6 Ryan Edwards: 6. Involved in last-ditch blocks as he tried to rally his colleagues with a never-say-die spirit throughout the entire 90 minutes.

9 Tom Barkhuizen: 6. Quiet first half even if he wasn’t the only one, but almost made amends early in the second period when his tricky run and low shot across goal narrowly missed the target.

10 Lee Molyneux: 5. Replaced at half time for Paul Mullin after a quiet first 45 minutes.

11 Kevin Ellison: 7. Deserved his equalising goal to puncture Boro’s lively start as he never stopped working throughout the game. Scored a late third for the visitors with a cracking volley.

13 Alan Goodall: 5. Hooked at the break for Peter Murphy as he struggled to impose himself on proceedings.

15 Aaron Wildig: 5.5. Another who failed to impose his authority on the game, even if it wasn’t for the want of trying.

16 Shaun Miller: 6. The former Coventry City player gave an insight into his undoubted calibre with some nice touches and flicks but will have had far more influential games this season for the Shrimps. Subbed for Forrester with 15 minutes remaining.

19 Laurence Wilson: 5.5. Worked hard and never hid as the rain started to sheet-down but will be disappointed with the quiet game he had.

22 Andy Parrish: 6. Never gave up and tracked back to be involved in denying Boro’s attacks vital time and space, even when the game was lost.

Subs

8 Peter Murphy: 6.5. Replaced Goodall during the break after the starter had a quiet half. Combative player who was booked.

12 Paul Mullin: 6.5. On for the ineffective Molyneux at half time. Confident penalty to make it 4-2 in an entertaining game.

21 Anton Forrester: 6. On for Miller with 15 minutes remaining and the game effectively lost.