Two goals from in form Stacy Long were enough to give Stevenage another 3 points, this time at the expense of Kettering Town. In what was a scrappy and physical contest, Stevenage had to wait until just after the hour before Long smashed in his first. Kettering threw everything into trying to nick an equaliser, including sending up Nathan Abbey, but in doing that were caught on the break with Long again scoring after rounding the goalkeeper.

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.

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.

Today was another game where Stevenage were held by opposition you would expect to be beating if your side are serious challengers for promotion. It hasn't been the start that Graham Westley would of been hoping for. After last season started slowly, they ended the campaign strongly to finish the season in the play-offs and it looks like Westley may have to repeat the trick again this season to try and win promotion.

Stevenage continued their impressive start to pre-season with a 2-1 victory over Brighton. I didn't get to the game, but after reading the reports on the forum and Comet it sounds like it was a well deserved win over the League 1 opposition. Even some Brighton players, media and fans on their message board have stated that Boro were well worth the victory and the team looked good enough to be a league side.

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.

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.