Not since 1988 had Boro’ gone into a season in a division one step beneath the previous one, but that’s what 2014-5 was all about for us. After losing the battle to stay in League One, boss Graham Westley started building afresh in search of an instant return. After a relatively indifferent first half of the campaign, it was all guns blazing during the second half. Such was the strength of run that Boro’ had gone on that a playoff spot was ours with games to spare. In many ways, it was a typical Westley season.
A strong Southend United side stood between Boro’ and a 90-minute showdown for the chance to return to League Two. The problem was that Southend were quite good; the Shrimps winning the semi-final over two legs and after extra time.
Cup success? Well, it was non-existent in 2014-5. In the League Cup, there was a narrow first round defeat to Herts neighbours Watford. And in the FA Cup, meanwhile, Maidstone United made us feel humble enough in a shock win. Johnstone’s Paint Trophy? Yeah, you don’t really mind about that one…
