Blott and Metcalfe fire Boro past Albion

First-half strikes from Alex Metcalfe and Ryan Blott gave Boro the confidence to control the play and seal a place in the third round.

Boro gave a debut to goalkeeper Pat Weaver following his recent move from Scunthorpe United, with Joe Lamplough coming into the centre of defence to partner Harry Holden in the absence of Nathan Peat through suspension.

Pete Davidson also returned to the side after missing out against Droylsden.

Despite having a weekend off following the waterlogged pitch at Witton Albion, Boro started brightly with the central midfield pairing of Davidson and Bloor picking holes in the Ossett defence.

After 16 minutes the hard work paid off as Alex Metcalfe was able to make a run into space to bury the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Albion came close to an instant response as Bower bustled through the middle of the Boro back four before flicking the ball over the onrushing Weaver, with the lack of power behind the lob allowing the back-pedalling Harry Holden to collect and clear.

Ossett striker Bower missed another opportunity to level the scores after he was crowded out rounding Weaver, and the let off proved costly as Boro grabbed a second goal with the next attack.

A pinpoint cross from the right found Ryan Blott just a few yards out, with the Boro striker bundling into the back of the net from six yards out for his seventh goal of the season.

After going into the break two goals to the good, Boro continued to press the Albion defence when play re-started with Fernando Moke curling agonisingly wide of the top corner.

Albion winger Luke Porritt missed a good opportunity after timing his run to perfection to race clear down the left, with Weaver narrowing the gap to block the low shot.

Boro continued to press as Gary Bradshaw turned expertly to nip in behind the Unicorns defence but just lacked his usual composure as the ball ran on and into the grateful hands of Ossett keeper Souter.

In the closing stages Ryan Blott missed the chance to add a late third after taking a tumble in the box, however his spot-kick was tipped up and over by Souter to deny the frontman.

The result coupled with the composed team performance gives Boro a platform going into the weekend game against Burscough.