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Who will be playing league football next season?

Following their 17th win of the season, Burton Albion look set for automatic promotion. The question remains on who will join them in League Football Two?
Torquay United's automatic promotion chances were dealt a cruel blow yesterday when they suffered their first defeat in twelve games.

These boots were made for walking One area where non-league football often shines over its professional counterparts is in its fans and players' devotion to do something daft for charity. The latest craze appears to be in wearing bright pink shirts to raise awareness of Breast Cancer. Oldham Athletic (all right, they're not non-league but they're hardly Chelsea) recently donned neon pink shirts in aid of the worthy cause and even managed to hold rivals Leeds United to a one-all draw.

These boots were made for walking One area where non-league football often shines over its professional counterparts is in its fans and players' devotion to do something daft for charity. The latest craze appears to be in wearing bright pink shirts to raise awareness of Breast Cancer. Oldham Athletic (all right, they're not non-league but they're hardly Chelsea) recently donned neon pink shirts in aid of the worthy cause and even managed to hold rivals Leeds United to a one-all draw.

Grass roots and beyond Last Saturday the Rebels faithful, otherwise known as the fans of Southern league strugglers Slough Town FC, witnessed an unusual event. On 14th March, Steve Daly celebrated his tenth anniversary of being a STFC centre half. While his appearances have been seldom in the 2008/09 season due to the previous administration believing he was "surplus to requirement", the Rebels appointed a new manager a fortnight ago and Daly may yet get to pull on an amber and blue shirt before hanging up his boots for the last time.

There was a sickening moment last year when a well known celebrity died and the 24-hour rolling news networks couldn't make up their minds if he'd actually left this mortal coil or not. Reason being, they reported rumour before checking out the facts.



Darius Charles is Stevenage's first signing of the summer as they prepare for life in League 2. Charles joins Boro as a free agent after his contract with Ebbsfleet expired. According to the official site, a fee will still be due to Ebbsfleet as the player is under the age of 24 and negotiations will begin now with the Kent club to try and agree a compensation deal.

As Stevenage prepare for life in League 2, many questions are now being asked about the futures of the title winning squad. As is common in the lower leagues, Boro have a policy of offering short term contracts to their players and accessing their situation at the end of the season. Graham Westley said himself at the Supporters Association AGM last summer that he prefers to give players one year deals with an option for a further year if the club sees fit.

Boro bounced back after defeat in midweek with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Kidderminster Harriers. It wasn't the best game or performance, but Stevenage fought hard in difficult conditions to grind out the victory. Kidderminster were a shadow of the team that visited Broadhall Way last season, although they did start the game better than the hosts.

After the disappointment of losing against Ebbsfleet United on Tuesday night, Boro are back in action this weekend when Kidderminster Harriers are the visitors to Broadhall Way. Stevenage will be looking to bounce back with a win after a woeful second half performance at Stonebridge Road saw Graham Westley's side lose their first league game since August.

Two goals from Stefan Bailey were enough to give Ebbsfleet the win against Boro tonight. Graham Westley's side took the lead thanks to Yemi Odubade's 21st minute strike and went into the break 1-0 up and looking on course to go top of the Conference table with Oxford losing at Crawley. However, former QPR midfielder Bailey popped up twice within 6 second half minutes to condemn Boro to their first defeat since August.

It was a year ago yesterday that Stevenage were last beat at Broadhall Way in the league. That 2-1 defeat by Wrexham now feels like a very long time ago and the team has come a long way since then.

Boro could find themselves top of the Blue Square Premier tomorrow night if they win away at Ebbsfleet and Oxford lose against Crawley at the Broadfield Stadium.

Boro travel down to Salisbury this weekend as they continue their pursuit of top spot in the Blue Square Premier. With leaders Oxford playing in the FA Cup against Barrow tomorrow afternoon, Stevenage have the perfect opportunity to close the gap ahead of the midweek fixtures in the Blue Square Premier.

After a summer full of optimism, Stevenage hosted newly promoted Tamworth at Broadhall Way on the 8th August hoping to start the new season with a bang. However, the Lambs had different ideas and frustrated the Hertfordshire side all afternoon. Stevenage took an early lead thanks to a Lee Boylan penalty, but never really got going and were punished late on in the second half when BBC columnist Bradley Pritchard equalised with a cool finish.

One of the more puzzling tactical decisions from Graham Westley so far this season has been his reluctance to give new midfielder Stacy Long a run in the team, especially as the creative side of Boro's game is not quite where it should be. It's been more long ball than Long.Â

Stacy moved to Broadhall Way in the summer after a successful spell at Ebbsfleet United.

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.

Peter Vincenti has left the club to join Woking. The Cards have confirmed that the Jersey born midfielder/striker will join the Blue Square South club on a three month loan deal. It makes sense for all parties involved really. Although Westley gave Vincenti a new contract at the beginning of the summer, the former Millwall player doesn't look likely to be in the first team plans at Broadhall Way.

Stacy Long signed for Stevenage Borough today on a two year contract. The Comet had previously announced the deal as a one year contract, but the official site confirmed that the ex Charlton trainee has in fact signed a 2 year deal and becomes Graham Westley's 5th signing of the summer. It's a good move for both I think.

The club announced this afternoon the pre-season friendlies that they will be facing in preparation for the 2009/2010 Blue Square Premier campaign. As expected Peterborough and Millwall will be making trips to Broadhall Way, as well as League 1 side's Brighton and Southend. The away trips include Chelmsford City, Cambridge City and as confirmed a week or so ago, Blue Square South outfit Woking.

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.

Boro confirmed today that midfielder John Martin has been released from his contract. It's a disappointing end to Martin's career after a fantastic start which saw him an integral part of the club's amazing start to the 2007/2008 season under Mark Stimson, particularly impressing alongside Stuart Lewis in the Boro midfield.

After a fantastic 24 match unbeaten run it all came to a dramatic end a couple of weeks ago with defeat at Kidderminster, however bouncing back was key and last Tuesdays impressive 2-1 win against rivals Cambridge certainly showed that despite having injuries, suspensions and a terrible referee we are able to compete at the top end of the table.

Stevenage's hopes of reaching the play-offs are still alive after a 2-1 win over local rivals Cambridge United at Broadhall Way. A fantastic performance with 10 men gave Graham Westley's side victory in a frantic encounter. The evening was made even better as fellow play-off contenders Kidderminster could only draw 2-2 against Forest Green, narrowing the gap between 5th & 6th.

Stevenage will be making a return to Wembley Stadium in May as they reached their second FA Trophy final in the last 3 seasons with a 4-2 aggregate victory over last season's winners Ebbsfleet United. A last minute strike from Peter Vincenti confirmed that it would be the Hertfordshire side that meets York City after [.

When Stevenage visit Stonebridge Road in a weeks time for the second leg of the FA Trophy Semi-Final they will have a slender advantage to defend as they aim to return to Wembley for the first time since 2007. It could of been easier. Boro were 2-0 up at half-time thanks to strikes from Steve Morison [.

Stevenage face Ebbsfleet United on Saturday in the first leg of the FA Trophy Semi-Final. Both teams know what it's like to win at this stage as the two clubs are the two previous winners of the competition. Ebbsfleet beat Torquay in last season's final thanks to a goal from Chris McPhee, while Boro came [.

Boro's game with Vauxhall Motors tomorrow night looks likely to be postponed again as the freezing conditions continue to disrupt the club's fixture list. The initial game was called off at the weekend due to snow and ice both on the pitch and around the ground. Conditions have improved since then, but the game may come too quick for the pitch to recover totally.

Stevenage Borough comfortably beat Ebbsfleet United yesterday afternoon to maintain their outstanding FA Trophy record. Goals in either half from Chris Beardsley and David Bridges were enough to see off the 2008 winners. I'm pretty sure boss Graham Westley would of swapped the win yesterday with 3 points just over 10 days ago when Boro slumped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Liam Daish's side, but nonetheless his team has bounced back well after that disappointment with 2 good, home victories.

Our defence of the FA Trophy begins tomorrow afternoon as Ebbsfleet visit Broadhall Way. It's only 10 days since we last played Liam Daish's side, who beat us 2-1 after a shocking second half performance. Manager Graham Westley must decide whether to take the Trophy seriously this season or not.

A bit of a short one tonight because there isn't much news about and there's been a lot of football on TV in the last few nights.

Firstly, Boro strolled into the next round of the Herts Senior Cup with a 4-1 win over Leverstock Green. Although the trophy isn't high on Graham Westley's agenda, he fielded a reasonably strong side.

Its the battle of 17th versus 18th in the Blue Square Premier tomorrow night. Boro are still unbeaten, but have struggled so far this term, while opponents Ebbsfleet are still finding their feet after a traumatic summer which saw just 3 players remain from last season's squad. Even their official website is having problems at the minute!

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.

Cheers and Frasier actor Kelsey Grammer could be an unlikely supporter at tomorrow's FA Cup first round clash between Carlisle and Ebbsfleet. Grammer's brother-in-law Phil Walsh plays for Blue Square Bet Premier side Ebbsfleet. With his former air hostess sister and her celebrity husband in the country for a family funeral, Walsh is hopeful that [.