Stevenage embark on another FA Cup journey this weekend as they travel up to Stoke to face
League 2 side Port Vale. This time last year we were preparing for another trip up the M1, that
time it was to Leicester, who comfortably beat us 3-0 at the Walkers Stadium. Now though, Boro are
a much improved and experienced team.
Stevenage will get home this evening and wonder how they didn't end up taking all 3 points after
a dominant second half performance. Although Kettering had a couple of opportunities in added
time, the second half was mostly at the other end as a host of Boro players missed chances to give
the Hertfordshire side the victory.
Boro face arguably their biggest game of the season against 3rd place Kettering Town at
Rockingham Road this weekend. Graham Westley's side, who currently sit 2nd, are six points behind
table toppers Oxford United while Kettering are a point further back of Boro, but have a game in
hand. 3 points in Northamptonshire would give Boro a bit of breathing space as they challenge for
top spot.
Boro have a break from league action this Saturday as the FA Cup campaign starts against
Chelmsford City. It was only a few months ago that Boro faced Chelmsford in a pre-season friendly
where Charlie Griffin and Chris Beardsley both scored Boro won by 2-1.
Chelmsford find themselves in 11th place in Conference South despite winning 3 of their last 5
league games.
It was a frustrating night at the Lamex Stadium last night as Boro were held to a 0-0 draw by
Wrexham. It wasn't the best game you will ever see and with the rain just before the game the pitch
was very slick which made it difficult to control for both sides. Boro made one change to Saturday
with Chris Beardsley starting in place of Andy Drury who again seems to be struggling to keep fit
this season.
After a fantastic result against local rivals Luton last Tuesday night, Boro returned to action
against a much improved York team who found themselves in the playoff places after a poor season
last year. Martin Foyle has signed some good players over the summer and have certainly made a
claim to be this years surprise package.
Boro came from 2-0 down to defeat in form Mansfield on Saturday with an inspirational
performance at Field Mill. A difficult place to go and to go 2-0 down after just 16 minutes you
felt that it was going to be a frustrating afternoon. Two goals from striker Kyle Perry gave
Mansfield a dream start one which they never would of dreamt of losing.
Stevenage continued their recent improvement, brushing aside Eastbourne Borough 2-0 at Broadhall
Way. Boro dominated the game throughout and could of won by more had the 3 strikers of Boylan, Cole
and Beardsley had their shooting boots on.
Westley named a 4-3-3 formation with Michael Bostwick, Joel Byrom and Stacy Long all starting in
midfield.
It wasn't pretty, but Stevenage got back to winning ways beating Rushden & Diamonds 2-1 at
Broadhall Way. Unfortunately though the game won't be remembered for the football, but for
the horror tackle by Michael Corcoran on Lawrie Wilson which will probably see the in form right
midfielder miss the rest of the season.
Rushden & Diamonds are next up for Boro as they look to bounce back from their defeat last
weekend to Oxford United. The 2-1 loss at the Kassam Stadium was Boro's only defeat of the season
so far although the Hertfordshire club have also only won 1 match out of the 5 played. Rushden have
faired slightly better recording 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat in their opening 5 games.
Oxford United stay top of the Blue Square Premier after beating Boro this afternoon. Goals from
Alfie Potter and Adam Murray were enough to give the U's victory although one of their former
strikers, Yemi Odubade hit back late on, but it was too little too late for Graham Westley's
side.
Westley dropped Lee Boylan in favour of a 5 man midfield which welcomed back Joel Byrom after an
impressive substitute appearance against Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night.
Three goals, three points, a clean sheet and a good performance to go with it as Boro crushed
Ebbsfleet 3-0 tonight at Broadhall Way. Graham Westley's side continued their steady improvement
and showed a clinical edge in front of goal this evening to win the game and install some
confidence into the side ahead of the trip to Oxford on Saturday.
Tomorrow sees the return of football to Broadhall Way as Brighton come to town in the second
friendly of the season. It should prove to be a good test for Boro, who began their pre season
preparations with a solid win away at Chelmsford on Wednesday night. It will be the first
opportunity for many to see the likes of Yemi Odubade, Stacy Long, Joel Byrom, Chris Beardsley and
Charlie Griffin in a Boro shirt and it could be the new shirt that they play in tomorrow
afternoon.
After the signing of Stacy Long from Ebbsfleet, I assume that will be that with regards to
signings this summer. Westley has brought 5 in, getting rid of 4 and seems to have a balanced squad
of 22 senior players at his disposal for next season.
One thing that stands out from the signings the manager has made this summer, is that almost all
of them are versatile and can play in different positions when needed to.
There is nothing much happening at Boro at the moment, that we know of. I'm sure there are talks
with players, both with the club or not, going on all the time, but nothing has been announced
since the signing of Chris Beardsley from Kettering Town halfway through last week. Graham Westley
and his staff must be enjoying a far more relaxing summer this year after having to assemble a
whole new squad last season.
Stevenage manager Graham Westley has added Chris Beardsley to his striking options for next
season with the former Kettering, Rushden and Mansfield forward joining the club on a one year
deal. It follows the club's decision to release Callum Willock last week after 18 months at
Broadhall Way.
