Stevenage FC v Derby County

B RO INTERACTIVE DIGITAL PROGRAMME 2023/24 NO. 9

v DERBY COUNTY

MATCH SPONSOR

Saturday, October 28 2023 Kick-Off: 3.00pm

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MANAGER

All photos by Jim Steele unless otherwise stated

STEVE EVANS

SPONSORED BY

We' re looking forward to seeing our band in full tune on Saturday!

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DIRECTOR

H

STUART DINSEY

alf-way through this week’s Supporters Association AGM, the club was asked what its ambition was.

At the same time, Brighton & Hove Albion were playing Ajax, which became their first ever victory in a European competition.

Ask a Brighton fan if they thought that was possible 25 years ago, when they were losing their ground and staying in the league thanks to a better goals-scored record than Hereford United.

Ambition? Immediate task was survival, but a club and city like Brighton wasn’t going to stop there.

We have been in survival mode several times in recent years, but with the constant good stewardship of our owner Phil Wallace and with Leon Hunter as director of football and Steve Evans as manager, plus many other key people, the academy and first team have delivered player sales to both Manchester clubs and a memorable promotion to League 1.

Part of the reward is playing the great club that is Derby County today, in front of our highest attendance of the season. So we offer a very warm welcome to all Derby officials and fans for our first league meeting.

Football fortunes can change in weeks, but with an evolving stadium, rising crowds and community outreach via our superb Foundation, the club is progressive and, yep, ambitious.

We are young, not even 50 years old, but have achieved a lot. As has the Supporters Association, which itself turns 30 this year.

Membership offers benefits such as retail and coach discounts, whilst this independent body also holds a golden share to protect against sudden changes of club colours, badge or location in the future.

Enjoy the game, check out the new flags on The East Terrace created by Lewis at The Broadhall Way and, wherever the journey takes us, be part of it.

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STEVENAGE FC v DERBY COUNTY

AHEAD OF

THE GAME

BORO HOST TRANMERE ROVERS IN FA CUP FIRST ROUND Get your tickets now for Stevenage vs Tranmere Rovers in the First Round of the FA Cup on Saturday 4th November at 3pm.

MATCHDAY TIMINGS

CLUB SHOP: Midday-3pm & 15 minutes after FT TICKET OFFICE: Midday-3.15pm THE BROADHALL SUITE: Open to Home & Away supporters. Midday-Kick-Off. CLOSED at Full-Time. Bar Food Available THE 76 LOUNGE: Midday-Kick-Off (Home & Away Supporters). 3.15pm-80 minutes (North Stand Ticket Holders). Full-Time-8pm (Home & Away Supporters). Bar Snacks Available TURNSTILES: 1:30pm

East

North

West

Adult

£15

£20

£20

Concession

£15

£20

£20

Under 18

£10

£12

£12

Under 12

£3

£8

£8

TICKET INFO

MATCH TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR STEVENAGE VS DERBY COUNTY All tickets must be purchased before reaching the turnstiles either online or from the North Stand Ticket Office.

East

North

West

Adult

£20

£24

£25

Concession

£18

£22

£23

Under 18

£14

£16

£18

Under 12

£5

£10

£12

HALLOWEEN AT THE LAMEX!

Boro Bear will be on the hunt for the most frightening fancy dress at the stadium on Saturday. Winners will receive a certificate & have their photo taken on the pitch at half-time!

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STEVENAGE FC

SOCIAL

@StevenageFC

@TheBroadhallWay @borofoundation A series of flags have been introduced across the East Terrace to recognise prominent figures from the Club’s history.

🤝

@StevenageFC

So glad you’re safe & well, @hazanderson10

❤

@StevenageFC

💬 “Let’s get it going guys - we’re looking forward to seeing our band in full tune on Saturday!”🎺

😍

stevenagefcofficial BGR’s

🔟 th of the season! 👏

stevenagefcofficial

Rocco represents the Boro’ at Disney World this week!

🏰

stevenagefcofficial

The Lamex Stadium is the place to be on Saturday!

🔥

@StevenageFC

StevenagefcOfficial

@StevenageFCOfficial

Official Twitter Account for Stevenage Football Club.

Joined June 2011 77.8k Followers

Stevenage FC. Official Instagram Page for Stevenage Football Club.

47.3k Followers

Stevenage Football Club.

Official Facebook Page of Stevenage Football Club.

79k Followers

.

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fan

FOCUS

FIRST GAME? YEAR, SEASON?

My first game was at Wembley, May 2007 when Stevenage played Kidderminster Harriers in the FA trophy final when Stevenage were two down at half time and won 3-2 at full time.

WHICH SECTION OF THE GROUND DO YOU NORMALLY WATCH THE MATCHES FROM?

I used to sit in different parts of the West Stand and now I sit in the North Stand I have the perfect view now.

BEST MEMORY/MEMORIES OF SUPPORTING BORO?

I have four best memories. The FA Trophy final at new Wembley, my first competitive match against Kidderminster Harriers coming from 2 down to win. May 2010 when we beat York city 2-0 to confirm promotion to the Football League for the first time. January 7th 2011 when we beat Newcastle Utd 3-1 in the F.A cup 3rd round and the Newcastle goalkeeper was hopeless and Stevenage kept shouting shoot to the players and every time we shot at the keeper Stevenage scored. May 2011, Stevenage beat Torquay Utd 1-0 at Old Trafford to gain promotion to League One for the very first time.

FAVOURITE ALL-TIME PLAYER (AND WHY)?

Michael Bostwick is my favourite ever player at Stevenage because he was a legend to all Boro supporters and he always gave 110% in every game and he always helped the team to be successful and made sure very player in the team also gave 110% in every game.

LESLIE ELL

IOTT

FAVOURITE CURRENT PLAYER (AND WHY)?

Captain marvel Carl piergianni always gives 110% and he is a fantastic player at both ends of the pitch scoring and an exceptional defender at the back and also putting his body in the way of flying boots.

WHY DO YOU LOVE BORO?

I love boro because it is a well run community club, everyone is very friendly including the security people in the North Stand and most of the time football is well worth watching.

FAVOURITE BORO SHIRT?

I do not have a favourite Boro shirt but I do like the yellow shirt with the Garden House Hospice logo. But I would like to recommend you Alex, you’re a brilliant DSLO, you’re a very good people person and you look after all our disabled people including myself at every single game thank you to you for everything you have done for me.

Calling all Boro fans...

DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST GAME OR THE FIRST SHIRT YOU BOUGHT? DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE ALL TIME PLAYER?

We would love to feature your memories in our digital interactive programme… if you are interested please drop Alex (dslo@stevenagefc.com) or Carl (slo@stevenagefc.com) an email asap!

2023/2024 STAT PACK STEVENAGE

DERBY COUNTY

MATCH FACTS & TOTAL CARDS This will be the first ever Football League meeting between Stevenage and Derby County.

36

Derby are unbeaten in each of their last eight league games against newly promoted sides (W6 D2).

27 3

1

�� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� 19

20

GOALS

181

171

SHOTS

19.2

19.8

16

12

EXPECTED GOALS

GOALS CONCEDED

41.1

10.5

48.6

AVERAGE POSSESSION %

11.7

SHOT CONVERSION RATE %

16.5

14.2

7

EXPECTED GOALS AGAINST

0

5

CLEAN SHEETS

4

9

POINTS GAINED AFTER TRAILING

5

POINTS DROPPED AFTER LEADING

GOAL TIMES 0-15 16-30 31-45 46-60 61-75 76-90

SCORED

CONCEDED

4 3 3 1 4 4

1 2 2 4 1 6

0-15 16-30 31-45 46-60 61-75 76-90 _

POWERED BY

SCORED

CONCEDED

1 4 5 2 1 7

0 1 4 1 4 2

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fan

FOCUS

I love boro because they love me!

FAVOURITE ALL-TIME PLAYER (AND WHY)?

EY

ARCHIE RIL

WHICH SECTION OF THE GROUND DO YOU NORMALLY WATCH THE MATCHES FROM? Behind the goal.

BEST MEMORY/MEMORIES OF SUPPORTING BORO?

Stevenage v Grimsby as it was my birthday!

Jamie Reid. He’s plays a full game a lot so you see a lot of his skills.

FAVOURITE CURRENT PLAYER (AND WHY)?

Carl piergianni as he wheeled me out onto the pitch.

WHY DO YOU LOVE BORO? I love boro because they love me!

FAVOURITE BORO SHIRT?

Love this seasons away kit but really want the home kit too!

Tony Williams

The Boro family sadly learned of the death of fan Tony Williams recently.

After his wife died, Tony became an avid and passionate follower of Stevenage FC. Before he retired, he taught Art at Shephalbury, then later at the North Herts College. He loved his Saturdays at the Lamex and was able to reconnect with old friends and make a host of new ones. Now all the lads have to do is fulfil his lifelong wish and get promoted. He will forever be proud to be a Boro Boy.

LAMEX FOOD GROUP

proud to Be prIncIpal sponsors of steVenaGe fc Importer and exporter of food products worldwIde

Offices in UK, USA, Ireland, Holland, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Poland, Germany, Canada, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China.

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K.B.COINS

Dealers in English Coins and Medals. Excellent prices paid for single items, collections or accumulations (especially proof sets)

K.B.COINS PO Box 499 Stevenage, Herts SG1 9JT T: 01438 312661 F: 01438 311990

www.kbcoins.com

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Match

1

BRISTOL ROVERS

V

STEVENAGE

Martin 83’

1

Reid 40’

18

57% 43%

11

POSSESSION

SHOTS

4 4

4

2

SHOTS ON TARGET

CROSSES

ACTION

Stevenage take a point back to Hertfordshire...

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SPONSORED BY

MATCHDAY MASCOTs

I

t’s a warm welcome to our four Boro mascots hoping to bring the lads enough good luck to grab three more points this afternoon.

First up today is Eamon Potter, 10 who lives in Stevenage and attends St Margaret Clitherow School. Eamon’s hobbies are football, darts, cricket and gaelic football and his favourite Boro players are Jamie Reid and Carl Piergianni.

Next up we say hi to Issac Wiggs, 9, who lives in Welwyn GC and attends Applecroft School. Issac lists football, swimming and drumming as his hobbies and skipper Piergianni is his favourite player.

Issac Wiggs

We also have a big Boro hello for Ronnie Wicks, 9, who lives in Stevenage and attends Peartree Spring School. Ronnie’s hobbies are football, Muay Thai, tennis and gaming and his favourite Boro player is Jordan Roberts.

Last, but certainly not least, is Teddy Ball, 9. Teddy lives in Stevenage and attends Martinswood School. His hobbies include football, FIFA, Arsenal and even more football!

And his favourite Boro player is a toss up between Carl Piergianni and Luther-Wildin.

We hope all of our mascots have a great afternoon with us and that they get to see the Boro enjoy another win in our first ever competitive match against Derby.

Ronnie Wicks

Teddy Ball

interactive Boro quiz!

Our interactive quiz is back, five teasers on our opponents today Derby County - can you get a Boro fifer?

Ok let’s Ram-p it up.

CLICK HERE!

19

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FROM THE

ARCHIVES

S

tevenage returned home following their 2-0 win away to Crewe. The Boro were playing as if they were still celebrating their win in the opening stages of this match. Dino Maamria’s side could count themselves lucky not to be a goal down inside the first ten minutes as Gevaro Nepomuceno set up striker, Jonathan Benteke, the Belgium forward’s finish ended up being more of a clearance for Stevenage, than a shot.

Oldham still struck early as Nepomuceno delivered a whipped corner which was controlled and then volleyed through the Stevenage ‘keepers legs by Ishmael Miller. Boro answered the wake up call delivered by Oldham as the hosts levelled the game in the 22nd minute, Joel Byrom was the scorer, slamming a volley into the Oldham net with the opposition backline and goalkeeper in disarray. Oldham snatched back

Saturday 03 November 2018

Sky Bet League Two

the lead just after the hour mark though as it was once again, Gevaro Neopmuceno’s cross that causes the Boro defence problems as Callum Lang bundled the ball into the goal.

Much like the first-time round, Oldham’s lead didn’t last for long, Stevenage levelled for the second time in the game just five minutes after conceding.

Substitute Danny Newton provided fresh legs off the bench as the striker drove at the Oldham defence, unleashing a strike that ricocheted off of the nearby Oldham defender, allowing Kurtis Guthrie to rise to the ball and power his header past the Oldham ‘keeper.

Stevenage took the lead for the first time in the game in the 81st minute, winger, Steve Seddon, powered his way down the left-hand side of the pitch and then floated a cross into the Oldham box.

The cross appeared to have eluded everyone, but Danny Newton was on cue at the back post to nod in what turned out to be Stevenage’s winner.

ALFIE NICHOLSON CLICK BELOW TO CHECK OUT THE PROGRAMME

3 STEVENAGE 2 OLDHAM

STARTING XI

27 Seny Dieng 2 Luther James-Wildin 5 Scott Cuthbert 31 Ben Nugent (45) 3 John Hunt (60) 20 Jamal Campbell-Ryce (56) 4 Michael Timlin 8 Joel Byrom 12 Steve Seddon 9 Alex Revell 28 Kurtis Guthrie

SUBSTITUTES

1 Paul Farman 7 James Ball 10 Ben Kennedy (56) 11 Emmanuel Sonupe 16 Arthur Iontton 19 Danny Newton (60) 30 Luke Wilkinson

Stats courtesy of Boroguide

20

STEVENAGE FC v DERBY COUNTY

BORO

HISTORY ON THIS DAY: 28 OCTOBER

Today is not the worst day in the Boro’ calendar, that’s for sure. But, if you’re only as good as your last game, then our 3-0 defeat at Yeovil Town in 2017 does not bode well.

Incredibly, the home side finished with nine men that day too – ir-respective of loanee Kevin Toner’s dismissal for us. By that point in the second half, the damage had been done.

It’s almost out of keeping with our broader record on 28 October over the years. Eight outings delivered four wins and two draws otherwise. The other one – a 2-0 away defeat to Buckingham Town back in 1981 – acts as a bookend to our disaster against the Glovers more recently six years ago.

One notable feature is the run of FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round ties we’ve been involved with on this date. Two out of the three between 2000 and 2006 ended in victory.

Wins at home to Eastbourne Borough (2003) and Forest Green Rov-ers (2006) followed a draw away to Nuneaton Borough in 2000 – a

1981 Buckingham Town 2-0 Stevenage Borough, United Counties League Premier Division 1989 Stevenage Borough 0-0 Witham Town, Vauxhall Opel League Division Two North 1991 Stevenage Borough 3-1 Ware, Herts Senior Cup R1 (Gittings 3) 1995 Stevenage Borough 5-1 Northwich Victoria, GM Vauxhall Conference (Smith, Crawshaw 2, Browne, Hayles) 2000 Nuneaton Borough 1-1 Stevenage Borough, FA Cup R4Q (Leadbeater) 2003 Stevenage Borough 1-0 Eastbourne Borough, FA Cup R4Q (Watson) 2006 Stevenage Borough 4-1 Forest Green Rovers, FA Cup R4Q (Boyd, Morison 2, Miller) 2017 Yeovil Town 3-0 Stevenage, Sky Bet League Two (Toner s/o) week after winning there in the league.

Ultimately, we messed up the replay a few days later and were sent packing from the cup early that season.

If we want to be unashamedly upbeat, Boro’ have never lost at home on this date.

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Buckingham, Yeovil, and even that draw at Nuneaton all came away from home. Aside from a 0-0 draw with Witham Town in 1989, our home form today in history is flawless.

And hopefully that will curry some fortune against an opponent as decorated as Derby County.

IT’S DERBY COUNTY AGAIN…

The 1978-9 Chiltern Youth League saw a fledgling Boro’ side come up against a team by the name of ‘Derby Way’. That is, to date, the only time we’ve played anyone with ‘Derby’ in their name on an equal billing.

Sure, we’ve met the Rams in pre-season action before. Today, however, is the first competitive meeting of the two respective teams. And it marks the closure of what used to be a fairly sizeable chasm between us and the former champions of England.

BORO’ AT THIS STAGE…

Gameweek 16 Two successive draws mean that we now have a return of 23 points from our opening 15 matches of this League One campaign. In the grand scheme of things, it means this season stands joint-20th for number of points on the board at this point. The one other season in which that was the case was 1999-00 – when we had more wins (7 vs 6) and more goals for (26 vs 19), but more defeats (6 vs 4) and more goals against (20 vs 14).

It’s also worth noting that six of those seven wins in 1999-00 came in our first six matches – so, not a fruitful next nine!

Our best-ever return at this stage of any past season came in the 1980-1 and 1993-4 campaigns; both having posted 12 wins, two draws and a defeat. The 1980-1 campaign may have only been two points for a win – but you can’t dispute a bumper haul of 49 goals from 15 games, which compares with 36 in 1993-4. And, while we’re here, a quick look at our rogues’ gallery; the 2019-20 season being the only one where our points total was still in single figures at this point.

By Pete Hayman courtesy of

boroguide.co.uk

ON BOTH SIDES…

As far as we can tell, there aren’t too many players who can count both ourselves and the Rams as former clubs. The list is a modest one – likely representative of the fact that, on the field, there used to be a fair old chasm between us.

Mind you, we’ve had a handful of young Rams prospects join us on loan in recent years. First, we had striker Offrande Zanzala in 2016. Then came goalkeeper Sam French on an emergency seven-day loan due to Paul Farman’s one-match suspension in October 2019. And, most recently, we had Jahmal Hector-Ingram in early 2021 – only for the attacker to make just one substitute appearance.

It also underlines how loans are a dominant theme of the list of players to turn out for both sides. Another name that leaps out is current Rams player-coach Bradley Johnson.

The midfielder joined us from Northampton Town on loan in 2006 – immediately catching the eye as a promising young midfielder. Leeds United and Norwich City were next stops on his career path, before joining the Rams (for the first time) in 2015.

Offrande Zanzala

Jahmal Hector-Ingram

Sam French

Bradley Johnson

PLAYER SPONSORS

FIRST TEAM 2023/24

1 Taye Ashby-Hammond

2 Luther James-Wildin

3 Dan Butler

4 Nathan Thompson

5 Carl Piergianni

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14 Kane Smith

15 Terence Vancooten

16 Harry Anderson

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MIKE HARNIMAN & LAURA TYLER

SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER...

For sponsorship enquiries email davidhoskins@stevenagefc.com

17 Finley Burns

18 Harvey White

19 Jamie Reid

20 Aaron Pressley

22 Harrison Neal

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24

STEVENAGE FC v DERBY COUNTY

STEVENAGE FC

ACADEMY G ood afternoon boro fans!

As always best of luck to the gaffer and the team in this afternoon’s fixture v Derby County.

We are entering an exciting time for any young footballer as they hopefully embark on a good run in the FA youth cup. We start with a visit with Burgess Hill Town FC on Tuesday night, a difficult cup tie where we will need to be at our very best. I enjoy these types of games as they challenge our lads in so many ways. Ronnie and Nick have been working hard to best prepare the players over the course of the season and as far back as January when they started to work with out current first years on Monday nights during their U16’s season. Although its FA youth cup, it will be seen as another fixture as they hopefully step closer to achieving their own dreams of becoming professional footballers.

We have had many good nights in the FA youth Cup since I have been here at the club, who can forget the rise of Ben Kennedy v Everton and Ben Wilmot v Luton, Bromley and Fleetwood.

Being 2-0 down to Bury FC and down to 10 men before a dramatic late equaliser. Welcoming the likes of Aston Villa and Middlesborough to the Lamex. Beating cat 2 opponents Peterborough and Colchester to add to the great memories!

This week our phase Leads (Chris B, Tom F & Paul D) have been working hard to create additional games programmes for our players and on Wednesday we visited Southampton

Jorden Gibs

on

and Manchester United. A real good test for our players and an enjoyable (but long) day for everyone involved.

Louis Hrebeniak has been leading games v Oxford for our pathway before hosting his annual goalkeeping camps for grassroots goalkeepers, these have been a huge success for us since his arrival with a couple of goalkeepers being signed into the academy or on a pathway system. Louis is heavily supported by Callam and the schoolboys goalkeepers.

Josh C-Stevens, Ashely Taylor and Josh Newman have also been busy recruiting for our new cohort of Education and Development Programme based over in Letchworth where they heal a 3 day trial for potential new comers.

A programme designed to provide aspiring young adults an opportunity to excel in the sporting industry.

To keep up to date with the academy on goings, check out the website or our social media links Twitter - @StevenageYouth Instagram - @stevenagefcacademy Come on boro!

JORDEN GIBSON ACADEMY MANAGER

26

STEVENAGE FC v DERBY COUNTY

STEVENAGE FC

WOMEN 4 REAL BEDFORD

Hudson, Reed, Milliken, Carroll, Croucher, Franklin, Price, Fensome, Martin, Smith, Partridge.

Subs: Gerkey, Bhatti, Ajayi, Mayes Goals: Carroll x 2, Fensome, Price

0 STEVENAGE FCW Ray, Edge, Southby, Brooks, Baker-Re, Bodily, Schofield, Makewell, Gooderham, Dempsey, Thomas-O’Keefe Subs: Nebbitt, Millen, Clarke, Farmer (not used), Ruse (not used)

T

he FA Cup adventure for Stevenage FCW came to an abrupt halt at McMullen Park as Real Bedford made it two wins from two against the Boro’ and ten wins on the trot since the start of the season. Despite a competitive opening half, the hosts took advantage of an unusually lacklustre performance from Stevenage to repeat their haul of four goals from the opening game of the season.

Boro’ were the first to create a chance of note, although the game was ticking towards a quarter of the game played. A free kick was earned which was drifted in beautifully by Rebecca Edge for Hannah Bodily who couldn’t quite get the required power and direction on the header as it flashed well wide.

It was Bodily again who had the next opportunity, albeit a much more speculative effort that was well blocked and cleared from just outside the box. Perhaps the best opportunity fell for Amy Gooderham, who found herself free at the far post following a delightful cross from Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe, but unable to control the ball, which arrived at an awkward height, when a shot at goal seemed certain.

When Anna Baker-Re pulled back the ball from the byline a minute later, Amy Makewell was free to get Boro’s first decent strike at goal, but it sailed narrowly wide. It was from here that Bedford began to take the ascendancy. Tasha

Fensome signalled their intent with an excellent take on the stretch to carve out an opportunity, but Celine Ray gave her no time and the shot trickled wide of the goal.

Bedford then shot over and saw a cross dealt with by Grace Brooks before Fensome finally found the net. Amber Smith broke free down the right hand side to send in an inch-perfect cross for Fensome, who was unmarked and inside the six yard box, to head home.

Boro’ made their second change at half time, but whatever the message was required yet another change as Bedford doubled their lead within three minutes of the restart. The initial shot from Francesca Partridge hit the underside of the bar and bounced down, The rebound wasn’t cleared and Zara Carroll sent a right footed shot goalwards from the edge of the box.

Makewell had another chance to pull a goal back, but it was from a tight angle and Sarah Hudson was equal to it at her near post. Celine Ray made a decent save down low but this only kept the visitors in the game for a further eight minutes.

The third goal was as simple as it was effective.

An inswinging corner, straight to an unmarked Carroll on the six-yard line and a cushioned header into the net. If Boro’ were in trouble then, it got worse less than sixty seconds later. Boro dealt with the initial shot with a decent block, but there was no stopping the returning Erin Price.

She already had a goal from this fixture when playing for Stevenage last season, but this time her effort was for the home side as she lifted the ball over Ray from eighteen yards.

Hannah Nebbitt had an opportunity at the far post with ten minutes remaining, but Boro’ were not looking likely to score. Ray kept the score at four with another fine save and Kelsey Millen cleared the ball off the line at the near post from a corner, but it was not Boro’s day. Bedford will go on to face Terry Harrison’s old side Billericay – at home. Stevenage will have to watch from afar and wait for another go next year.

You can see Stevenage FCW in action in yet another away game as they do battle with AFC Dunstable on Sunday 29th October. Keep your eye on the social media platforms for more details - @stevenagefcw

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28

STEVENAGE FC v DERBY COUNTY

STEVENAGE FC

FOUNDATION FUNDING PARTNERS

O

n Thursday afternoon Stevenage FC defenders Terrence Vancooten and Luther James-Wildin joined Stevenage FC Foundation staff at Fairlands Primary School to help deliver No Room for Racism workshops to Year 5 pupils.

The workshops were delivered in line with the Premier Leagues No Room For Racism campaign and gave the pupils an opportunity to discuss the topic with the class and the players.

As part of the Premier League Primary Stars programme the duo supported the workshops which focused on Allyship, and the importance of being an ally. The duo moved from table to table, sparking conversation and understanding what being an ally means to the children. The players also spoke to the children about what being a good ally means to them and how it impacts their daily lives as footballers.

Terrence Vancooten spoke openly about the importance on being involved with workshops like this. ‘As footballers, we know a lot of young people look up to us and want to be like us.

Being here to today was important because they’re hearing it from a different voice, rather than a teacher, parent or whoever.’

‘If it’s in football or just everyday life, giving them information on how to deal with racism and discrimination is so important. ‘ ‘I think it’s great these kids are learning about how to talk about racism or any sort of discrimination, and how to stop it in the future.’

As part of the workshop the children made pledges of how they were going to help make both their school community and the wider community of Stevenage a more inclusive and equal place for all. The pupils then shared their ideas with the players and the rest of the class.

29

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Luther James-Wildin had this to say about today’s workshop ‘It was so good to see what we saw at the workshop. Young people talking about how to be an ally and the importance of being an ally to those who may be discriminated against.’

‘Workshops like this are so important to teach young people, make them aware as early in life as possible, so they can hopefully identify it and change what is currently going on in the world.’

‘I was really impressed with some of the pledges that the children created, knowing that they wanted to make a real difference to the community they live in.’

Luke Wilkins, Primary Education Officer at Stevenage FC Foundation had to this say.

‘Today was a big step forward for us as we are educating the next generation on such an important topic, a topic that can be difficult to discuss but one that holds a great weight in society.’

‘Days like these really have a huge impact on the lives of the children. To be able to have first team players come in to support the workshop and speak with the children so openly on the importance of being an ally, and how they can be an ally is such a powerful tool to have.’

Mrs Pollen, a teacher at Fairlands Primary School said the workshops were a real success and highlighted the importance of their relationship with Stevenage FC Foundation Miss Pollen: “The No Room For Racism workshop with Luke, his team and the players from Stevenage FC was an excellent way to reinforce a very powerful and important message to the children within our school.

We are always striving, at Fairlands, to be an inclusive school that promotes the key message of ‘No One Is The, Same But We Are All Equal.’ The workshop today was a brilliant reinforcement of this message in the context of racism and gave our children the opportunity to reflect on their own actions, and on how they can play a positive role in supporting others and celebrating diversity.”

Nathaniel, a pupil from one of the Year 5 classes shared his thoughts on the workshop.

‘The workshop was really good because it gave us a reminder of how important the anti-racism message is and how we can promote this message with our own behaviour. I will play my part by speaking up if I see racism happening.’

If you are interested in learning more about the Premier League Primary Stars programme, and how it can support your school please CLICK HERE or email luke.wilkins@stevenagefcf.com for more information.

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EVERY MIDWEEK MATCH DAY

32

STEVENAGE FC v DERBY COUNTY

WELCOME

www.dcfc.co.uk CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE SQUAD LIST

Meet the boss

Upon his retirement from the playing side of the game with Rotherham in the summer of 2012 and being granted a testimonial by the Millers for his service - Warne stayed with the club and held the position of fitness coach – a role he kept working with four different managers over the next few years under Neil Redfearn, Neil Warnock, Alan Stubbs and Kenny Jackett.

Following Jackett’s departure in November 2016, Warne was put in caretaker charge of the club before seeing that position extended until the

end of the season a couple of months later.

And in April 2017, following several excellent performances and results including wins over Norwich City and Queens Paul Warne Park Rangers, the former midfielder was appointed first team manager on a permanent basis.

Warne oversaw an impressive three promotions from League One with Rotherham, in 2017/18, 2019/20 and 2021/22, and also led the Millers to an EFL Trophy victory over Sutton United last term at Wembley Stadium.

The start of the current campaign saw his Rotherham side defy the odds early doors back in the second tier and he left the Millers earlier this week having guided them to eighth in the Championship table with a game in hand over their rivals. He left the Millers as the sixth longest serving manager in the English game and the fourth in the EFL.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

33

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SEASONS

RESULTS

Last FIVE Exeter

Shrewsbury

HOME

AWAY

W2-0 22/23 League 1 7th

Notts C

Cheltenham

AWAY

AWAY

L1-0

W1-2

21/22 League 2 23rd (R)

20/21 League 2 21st

Blackpool

D1-1

W1-3

19/20 League 2 10th

18/19 League 2 6th

AWAY

ONE TO watch

Centre-back Eiran Cashin has risen through the youth ranks at Derby County and has solidified himself as a regular starter in the first-team over the last two seasons.

After joining the club as a scholar in 2018/19, he appeared 26 times for the Under-18s in their titlewinning season, weighing in with five goals along the way, along with Max Bird, Jason Knight, Louie Sibley and Liam Thompson.

His progress continued in 2019/20 as he registered 17 appearances and two goals for the Under-18s, as well as stepping up to the Under21s and making a single appearance.

On top of that, he played in all six of the Under19s UEFA Youth League fixtures as he gained more valuable experience and scored in their impressive 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in early 2020.

At the end of the season, the Republic of Ireland youth international put pen-to-paper on his first professional deal with the Rams.

However, Cashin was hampered by injury for the majority of the 2020/21 season, making his first appearance for the Under-21s in February.

His six appearances, all starts, were enough to catch the eye of then-manager Wayne Rooney, who named the defender on the bench for the

Eiran Cas

hin

final three games of the Sky Bet Championship season.

After an impressive pre-season campaign ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, where he scored in a 2-0 win against Notts County, owing to an embargo forced upon the club, Cashin was forced to watch from the sidelines as he was unable to appear for the first team.

The youngster made 52 appearances in all competitions for the Rams in 2022/23 and scored his only goal of the season in a 2-0 home victory over Charlton Athletic in the February.

On the international stage Cashin has also represented the Republic of Ireland Under-21s.

35

www.stevenagefc.com

STEVENAGE FC

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37

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WELCOME

LATEST NEWS

“Ayup me ducks” – a traditional Derbyshire welcome to one and all.

Our two clubs have met at Stevenage on a couple of occasions in the past. Both were pre-season friendlies and, as I seem to recall, the Rams fans turned up to each game in droves. However, this is our first competitive game together – a fixture I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.

Jim Smith (aka the “Bald Eagle”) was manager at Derby for six years, back in the 90’s. He and my dad (Jim) were very close friends – well, both being Sheffield lads, it’s not surprising.

Did you know that Derby can boast fifteen (15) independent Supporters’ Club branches! Amazing.

I’m currently attempting to set up similar initiative amongst our own “exiles”. Watch this space...

BILL SAUNDERS

will leave The Lamex at 12:00 mid-day and costs just £20 for members.

On Saturday November 25th, we journey north again – to Fleetwood. This will be an 8:00am start from the Lamex at a cost of just £30 per member.

For details and booking, either CLICK HERE or phone John Carroll on 01438 814285 after 6.00pm.

Did you know that sixteen of the twenty-four EFL1 clubs have their own ex (former) player associations?

Serious consideration is now being accorded to a potential initiative to form our own Stevenage ex-players association. The intention would be to have the ability to reunite players who have represented the club in a 1st XI capacity, be it Stevenage Town, Stevenage Athletic, the former ‘Boro’ or the present-day club.

Does this sort of thing appeal to you?

Would you be interested in helping to organise and administer?

The Association would necessarily require a committee, likely comprising a chair, membership secretary, events Bill Saunders organiser, etc. (Reading FC – for example- have a board of twelve to co-ordinate their organisation).

If this sort of thing appeals, then do get in touch with me at Lloyd@sfcsa.co.uk

Did you know that William E Saunders was appointed President of the Stevenage Supporters Club during its AGM back in July 1950?

“Bill” used to live in what was then the Bedwell Farm House.

In the early years of the war, Bill evacuated his company from London to Stevenage.

Anyone who used to work for Marconi Instruments will invariably remember the old “Saunders Division” building on Gunnels Wood Road. That was Bill’s!

Sadly, that factory has since been demolished – coincidently only six months ago.

Bill Saunders was a club stalwart during the 1950’s and raised many hundreds of pounds for Stevenage Town in what were extreme and austere times.

Fast forward 73 years to today, and the current incumbent is Keith Berners, if you didn’t know already.

BORO BUS

Our next away game is to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday November 11th (Armistice Day). The bus

STEVENAGE EX-PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION – NEWS

I was pleased to hear of an initiative by Portsmouth fans recently which resulted in the unveiling of a statue to former club legend Jimmy Dickinson at Fratton Park. Paid for entirely by fund raising within the Portsmouth fan-base, it’s stories like this that gladden the heart.

LLOYD BRISCOE Chair - Stevenage FC Supporters’ Association

Using digital to speak directly to your customers Tel: +44 (0) 7539 782979 Email: hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com www.hashtagdigitalmedia.co.uk

39

www.stevenagefc.com DATE

OPPONENT

ATT

RES BORO SCORERS 1-0

FIXTURES & RESULTS

2023/24

AUGUST 2023 Sat Aug 05

Northampton Town

FL1

7,049

Tue Aug 08

Watford

CC

4,495 1-1 (4-3) March

Sat Aug 12

Shrewsbury Town

FL1

3,962

2-0

Pressley, Reid

Tue Aug 15

Cambridge United

FL1

7,529

2-1

Roberts, Reid

Sat Aug 19

Reading

FL1

11,674

0-2

Sat Aug 26

Portsmouth

FL1

5,352

0-0

Tue Aug 29

Exeter

CC

4,006 1-1 (5-3) Roberts

Piergianni

SEPTEMBER 2023 Sat Sept 02

FL1

8,287

Tue Sept 05 AFC Wimbledon

Leyton Orient

EFLT

1,317 1-1 (6-5) Reid

3-0

McNeill, Sweeney, Freeman

Sat Sept 09

Carlisle United

FL1

4,228

2-2

Reid x2

Sat Sept 16

Charlton Athletic

FL1

5,118

1-1

Reid

Sat Sept 23

Cheltenham Town

FL1

3,947

3-0

Roberts, List x2

Sat Sept 30

Oxford United

FL1

5,512

1-3

Reid

OCTOBER 2023 Tue Oct 03

Bolton Wanderers

FL1

17,997

2-3

Reid x2

Sat Oct 07

Wigan Athletic

FL1

4,402

1-0

Pressley

Tue Oct 10

Wycombe Wanderers

EFLT

902

0-1

Sat Oct 14

Blackpool

FL1

10,516

0-3

Sat Oct 21

Port Vale

FL1

4,047

0-0

Tue Oct 24

Bristol Rovers

FL1

7,143

1-1

Sat Oct 28

Derby County

FL1

NOVEMBER 2023 Sat Nov 11

Wycombe Wanderers

FL1

Tue Nov 14

Crystal Palace U-21

EFLT

Sat Nov 18

Lincoln City

FL1

Sat Nov 25

Fleetwood Town

FL1

Tue Nov 28

Peterborough United

FL1

Reid

APPEARANCES

PL

Carl Piergianni Dan Butler Jordan Roberts Nathan Thompson Taye Ashby-Hammond Finley Burns Jamie Reid Louis Thompson Jake Forster-Caskey Nick Freeman Luther James-Wildin Aaron Pressley Dan Sweeney Krisztián Hegyi Alex MacDonald Ben Thompson Kane Hemmings Terence Vancooten Elliott List Kane Smith Charlie McNeill Harrison Neal Reece Hannam Josh March Harvey White Theo Alexandrou Harry Anderson David Hicks Rylee Mitchell

LEAGUE TABLE

GLS

17 (1) 16 (0) 16 (2) 15 (3) 13 (0) 12 (4) 12 (6) 12 (4) 10 (4) 10 (6) 9 (1) 9 (2) 8 (0) 6 (0) 6 (7) 6 (7) 5 (4) 5 (2) 4 (10) 4 (3) 3 (0) 3 (4) 2 (4) 2 (3) 2 (0) 1 (1) 1 (2) 0 (0) 0 (0)

1 0 3 0 0 0 10 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

P

W

D

L

Sat Dec 09

Burton Albion

FL1

1 Portsmouth

14

9

5

0

32

Sat Dec 16

Exeter City

FL1

Sat Dec 23

Barnsley

FL1

2 Oxford United

13

9

1

3

28

Tue Dec 26

Northampton Town

FL1

Fri Dec 29

Cambridge United

FL1

DECEMBER 2023

JANUARY 2024 Mon Jan 01

Portsmouth

FL1

Sat Jan 06

Reading

FL1

Sat Jan 13

Shrewsbury Town

FL1

Sat Jan 20

Barnsley

FL1

Sun Jan 27

Wigan Athletic

Pts

3 Barnsley

14

8

2

4

26

4 Bolton Wanderers

13

8

2

3

26

5 Peterborough United

14

7

4

3

25

6 Blackpool

14

6

5

3

23

7 Stevenage

15

6

5

4

23 21

8 Derby County

13

6

3

4

9 Lincoln City

13

6

3

4

21

FL1

10 Wycombe Wanderers

13

6

2

5

20

11 Burton Albion

15

5

4

6

19

Sat Feb 03

Blackpool

FL1

12 Leyton Orient

14

5

4

5

19

Sat Feb 10

Port Vale

FL1

Tue Feb 13

Bristol Rovers

FL1

13 Charlton Athletic

13

5

3

5

18

Sat Feb 17

Derby County

FL1

14 Port Vale

14

5

3

6

18

Sat Feb 24

Wycombe Wanderers

FL1

Sat Mar 02

Lincoln City

FL1

Sat Mar 09

Fleetwood Town

FL1

Tue Mar 12

Peterborough United

FL1

Sat Mar 16

Leyton Orient

Sat Mar 23 Fri Mar 29

FEBRUARY 2024

MARCH 2023

15 Shrewsbury Town

14

5

2

7

17

16 Bristol Rovers

13

4

4

5

16

17 Cambridge United

14

4

4

6

16

18 Exeter City

14

5

1

8

16

19 Northampton Town

13

4

2

7

14

FL1

20 Carlisle United

15

3

5

7

14

Carlisle United

FL1

21 Wigan Athletic

13

6

1

6

11

Bolton Wanderers

FL1

22 Fleetwood Town

13

3

2

8

11

23 Reading

13

3

1

9

6

24 Cheltenham Town

14

1

2

11

5

APRIL 2024 Mon Apr 01

Charlton Athletic

FL1

Sat Apr 06

Exeter City

FL1

Sat Apr 13

Burton Albion

FL1

Sat Apr 20

Oxford United

FL1

Sat Apr 27

Cheltenham Town

FL1

CLICK HERE FOR FULL TABLE AND STATS

Net yourself a saving

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HERE’S HERE’S AA ST ST AT AT II BET BET YOU YOU DIDN’T DIDN’T KN KN W W

NEARLY ONE MILLION NEARLY ONE MILLION SKY BET CUSTOMERS USE DEPOSIT LIMITS SKY BET CUSTOMERS USE DEPOSIT LIMITS TOTO MANAGE THEIR BETTING BUDGET. MANAGE THEIR BETTING BUDGET. THAT’S ENOUGH TOTO FILL: THAT’S ENOUGH FILL: 11 11 WEMBLEYS. WEMBLEYS. ALL GOOD BOOKMAKERS ALL GOOD BOOKMAKERS HAVE DEPOSIT LIMITS. HAVE DEPOSIT LIMITS. SOSO WHOEVER YOU BET WITH, WHOEVER YOU BET WITH, SET ANAN APPROPRIATE ONE FOR YOU SET APPROPRIATE ONE FOR YOU AND THEN ENJOY THE SPORT. AND THEN ENJOY THE SPORT.

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STEVENAGE FC

MANAGER: STEVE EVANS TAYE ASHBY-HAMMOND (GK) LUTHER JAMES-WILDIN DAN BUTLER NATHAN THOMPSON CARL PIERGIANNI DAN SWEENEY ALEX MACDONALD JAKE FORSTER-CASKEY ELLIOTT LIST NICK FREEMAN JORDAN ROBERTS KRISZTIÁN HEGYI (GK) KANE SMITH TERENCE VANCOOTEN HARRY ANDERSON FINLEY BURNS HARVEY WHITE JAMIE REID AARON PRESSLEY HARRISON NEAL LOUIS THOMPSON BEN THOMPSON REECE HANNAM CHARLIE MCNEILL KANE HEMMINGS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 29

OFFICIALS

REFEREE: Scott Tallis ASSISTANT: Stuart Butler ASSISTANT: Adrian Tranter FOURTH OFFICIAL: Stephen Brown

DERBY COUNTY

MANAGER: PAUL WARNE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 26 31 34 35

JOE WILDSMITH KANE WILSON CRAIG FORSYTH CONOR HOURIHANE SONNY BRADLEY EIRAN CASHIN TOM BARKHUIZEN MAX BIRD JAMES COLLINS MARTYN WAGHORN NATHANIEL MENDEZ-LAING KOREY SMITH SCOTT LOACH CONOR WASHINGTON LIAM THOMPSON LOUIE SIBLEY ELLIOT EMBLETON TYREECE JOHN-JULES CALLUM ELDER TYRESE FORNAH JOE WARD RYAN NYAMBE DARREN ROBINSON JOSH VICKERS JAKE ROONEY CURTIS NELSON

UP NEXT AT HOME TRANMERE ROVERS 04/11/2023 | KO 3.00PM EMIRATES FA CUP

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