Westley hopes to solve scoring troubles

Posted Wednesday, January 15, 2020 by PA

Stevenage manager Graham Westley lamented his side’s lack of goalscoring prowess after they drew 0-0 with Oldham.

Westley’s side sit at the foot of League Two, three points behind nearest rivals Morecambe, and stretched their winless run in the league to 11 games.

Chances came aplenty for Stevenage as Joe Leesley, Luther James-Wildin, Charlie Lakin and Charlie Carter all had opportunities to score.

And for Westley, his side being unable to score is one of the problems that he knows he needs to tackle and hopes his new signing will help alleviate the pressure.

“What can I say, it’s a game that really has been decided by the conditions. The side playing into the wind was always going to be better with that advantage, and so it proved,” Westley said.

“We’ve got to be better in the final third, there’s no doubt. We’ve only scored two goals since I’ve come and conceded just four so it’s clear where we need to do more.

“The centre-forward we’ve brought in will help us to do that I believe. Jake Cassidy is a proven goalscorer at a higher level and once we can get him in, I really do think we’ll start winning on a regular basis.

“Look, it’s tough at the moment but these things take time. Putting the ball into the net is obviously one area we really do need to look at, but there’s also the set-piece element which should be a strength of ours. We’ll be looking at that closely on Thursday as well.”

A five-figure deal has been agreed to bring Cassidy from Maidenhead. The Welshman enjoyed a prolific run with Tranmere in League One from 2012 to 2013.

Oldham manager Dino Maamria sang his team’s praises for their intent and willingness to play in difficult conditions.

Desire Segbe Azankpo was twice denied with his goals being ruled offside but the collision between Oldham keeper Gary Woods and Stevenage’s Elliott List was of the biggest concern to Maamria.

“The performance was good – you can see what we’re trying to do – so I have nothing but praise for my lads tonight,” Maamria said.

“The conditions were really tough but I felt we were the side that played, or certainly showed an intention to do so. We had some really good chances, and Desire is disappointed he hasn’t taken one.

“But it will come. Ever since I arrived at the football club, I’ve had nothing but support and commitment from this group of players and the chairman, and we are going the right way.

“We were robbed at the weekend, which we’ve had words about with the relevant authorities, and for me it’s a red card all day for that challenge on Gary.

“He’s (List) gone in high and straight into his ribs, and I can’t understand why the referee hasn’t event had a word with the player.”