Stevenage FC v Northampton Town

B RO INTERACTIVE DIGITAL PROGRAMME 2023/24 NO. 15

v NORTHAMPTON TOWN FC MATCH SPONSOR

Tuesday, December 26 2023 Kick-Off: 3.00pm

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AHEAD OF

THE GAME MATCHDAY TIMINGS

CLUB SHOP: Midday-3pm & 15 minutes after full-time TICKET OFFICE: Midday-3:30pm 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). CLOSED at Full-Time.

Bar Snacks Available TURNSTILES: 1:30pm

Adult: £25, 65+: £19, 18-22: £17, 14-17: £10, Under 13: £5, Wheelchair: £16, Ambulant: £17 Travel with the Stevenage FC Supporters Association for just £25 for members and £30 for non-members. Book travel online here.

READING HOME FIXTURE REARRANGED FOR TUESDAY 6TH FEBRUARY

The two sides were originally scheduled to meet on Saturday 6th January 2024 at The Lamex Stadium, however the fixture has been postponed due to Stevenage’s FA Cup Third Round tie at Maidstone United on the same day.

TICKET INFO

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

TICKETS & TRAVEL: PORTSMOUTH

Kicking off at 3pm on New Year’s Day, Stevenage make the 206-mile roundtrip to take on John Mousinho’s Pompey.

Match tickets are available online at www.borotickets.co.uk, the Club Shop and from Fratton Park (£2 increase) on the day.

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STEVENAGE FC

SOCIAL

@StevenageFC

@StevenageFC

🚨 Tickets for our FA Cup Third Round tie vs @maidstoneunited have now SOLD OUT. 🚨 Thanks for your support. 👏

stevenagefcofficial

Head to our YouTube channel to watch an alternative view of last weekends 1-1 draw against Exeter City.

❤

@StevenageFC

It was our pleasure to visit @GHHospice in Letchworth last week.

Here’s @BBCLookEast‘s feature on the partnership & the incredible work the hospice does in our community.

💛💙

🔥

LUTHER SCORES!

stevenagefcofficial

Skip on target in Boxing Day’s reverse fixture!

🎥

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Our annual visit to Lister Hospital’s Bluebell Children’s Ward took place earlier this week.

Heartwarming content alert.

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🥰

@StevenageFC

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fan

FOCUS

Gracie Leadbetter

FIRST GAME? YEAR, SEASON? Peterborough Home This Season.

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

BEST MEMORY/MEMORIES OF SUPPORTING BORO?

Meeting Borough Bear & Going To The Gift Shop.

FAVOURITE ALL-TIME PLAYER (AND WHY)?

Jake Foster-Caskey As He Is A Great Communicator With The Fans.

FAVOURITE CURRENT PLAYER (AND WHY)?

As Above Being Her First Season.

WHY DO YOU LOVE BORO?

Because I Get To Go With My Daddy, Uncle & Nephews, Meet Boro Bear My Hero & I Love It When The Players Come Out And The Atmosphere.

FAVOURITE BORO SHIRT?

Of Course Red As This Is My Favourite Colour.

Paul Fry

The Boro family was greatly saddened to learn of the death of Paul Fry on December 22nd.

Raised in Stevenage, Paul was one of the foremost journalists from the town, working on a number of national and international titles, after starting his career in the local press.

Paul has written a number of books about local sport and will also be fondly remembered for his time as the editor of the Boro programme. Our condolences go to Pamela and to all his family at this especially difficult time.

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Match

2

V

BARNSLEY

STEVENAGE

McAtee 32’, Kane 70’

54%

Wildin 4’

14 46%

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POSSESSION

SHOTS

4 5

1

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SHOTS ON TARGET

CROSSES

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Stevenage fall to an unfortunate defeat at Oakwell...

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SPONSORED BY

MATCHDAY MASCOTS

Edward Sargeaunt

Kuran Kandola

Shay White

e have a number of mascots joining us today at Boro for this Boxing Day spectacular!

A warm Boro welcome goes to Edward Sargeaunt 9, who lives in Watton-at-Stone and attends school in the village.

Edward lists playing football and Minecraft as his hobbies and his favourite Boro player is Carl Piergianni.

Next up we say hi to Kuran

Kandola, 11, who lives in Stevenage and attends Kingshott School. Kuran’s major hobby is football and skipper Carl Piergianni is also his top Boro player.

Also providing some good luck for Boro today is Shay White, 11. Shay lives in Hitchin and attends Highfield School.

He lists playing football and gaming among his hobbies and his best Boro player is

keeper Taye Ashby-Hammond Along with them, we also have the following seven mascots who will make sure Boro gets the win today so it’s a big hello to Ralph 10, Arabella 9, Rocco 7, Henry 7, Kenzo 5, George 5 and Alfie 3.

Let’s hope everyone has a memorable day and that our home town heroes take the three points.

W

interactive Boro quiz!

Your Boro Boxing Day quiz is back and today we take a look at our number 1s! Can you get five out of five?

CLICK HERE!

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FROM THE

ARCHIVES

I

t was a superb Steve Morison showing that was the difference between Stevenage and Rushden and Diamonds. It was the second home game in a row that Morison had found the back of the net twice. The 25-year-old bowed out of Boro colours in style with this being his last season before he joined Millwall in the summer.

Stevenage scored first in the game, taking charge as they headed towards their third home game in a row without a loss. Boss manager Graham Westley motivated his men at half-time to push on, and Boro’ did so successfully.

The brace from Morison set him on his way to 89 goals for the club that make him Stevenage’s second top goal scorer of all time, Lee Boylan

Friday 26th December 2008

Blue Square Premier

also chipped in with a goal to secure the victory.

From one part of Boro history to another, Graham Westley was starting to enjoy his second spell at the club. Westley certainly enjoyed this victory over Rushden and Diamonds, his former club, that he managed in between his two spells at Boro, spells which totalled to over seven years.

Stevenage’s win against Rushden and Diamonds was the start of an impressive run for the hosts, Boro’ went on to go an unbeaten run of four league games in a row.

Graham Westley’s side didn’t lose a game at Broadhall way for the rest of the season, a run that was absolutely crucial to the team’s qualification for the Blue Square Premier playoffs, where they narrowly missed out on the final due to a poor away performance to Cambridge in the second leg.

ALFIE NICHOLSON CLICK BELOW TO CHECK OUT THE PROGRAMME

3 STEVENAGE 1 RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS

STARTING XI

16 Chris Day 25 Ronnie Henry 6 Mark Albrighton 14 Mark Roberts 3 Scott Laid 23 Andry Drury (90’) 18 David Bridges 24 Michael Bostwick 21 Mitchell Cole (77’) 10 Lee Boylan (82’) 20 Steve Morison

SUBSTITUTES

1 Ashley Bayes 5 Luke Oliver 8 Gary Mills (90’) 19 Callum Willock (82’) 27 Jerome Anderson (77’) Stats courtesy of Boroguide

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STEVENAGE FC v NORTHAMPTON TOWN FC

BORO

HISTORY

ON THIS DAY: 26 DECEMBER

It remains a staple of the English footballing calendar – so it’s no surprise to see plenty of previous Boxing Day outings in the archives. But don’t let that make you think we’ve always had a game on this date. Out of 43 past seasons, we’ve had 31 Boxing Day dates. And the ghost of Christmas past doesn’t always have a happy story to tell.

With all the many games to look back on, let’s stick with the positives eh? Wins – there have been 13 of them, starting with a humdinger against Potton United to start things off in 1983.

Eight goals were shared and Trevor Metcalfe scored a brace as we came out on top against our near neighbours by five goals to three.

Neighbourly gatherings are a theme of Christmas and the same is true of our Boxing Day exploits, to be fair. First, there was Potton – then came Letchworth Garden City. Barnet, Rushden & Diamonds, and latterly Cambridge United became familiar hosts or guests on this date.

And our first visit to the Bees in 2001 was a particularly memorable one.

It was our first meeting as equals and our first win in five senior attempts. Having been relegated from the old Division Three, Boro’ were in no mood to help them get used to their new non-league surrounds; DJ Campbell, Sam McMahon, and Jean-Michel Sigere leading us to a comprehensive three-goal win at Underhill.

Our Boxing Day record in the Football League, however, isn’t a happy one. It started well enough with an incredible 6-1 win at Colchester United in 2011. But that was the first of only 10 wins on this date since 2010. Our most recent? Yep – the Us again in 2018. Now, we’re currently on a run of two straight Boxing Day draws. Can we upgrade in 2023?

IT’S EXETER CITY AGAIN…

Our opening day win at Sixfields was a bit of a milestone moment for Boro’. For years, the Cobblers had become quite the bogey team and that early August victory was only our second win against them in what is now 18 meetings.

Even getting a draw at their place late last season was unusual.

It also means we’re unbeaten in two successive encounters, which is a first for Boro’ – much like winning at Sixfields full stop. Still much to do with the overall head-to-head record, however – 13 wins to them, a measly two to us.

1983 S tevenage Borough 5-3 Potton United, United Counties League Premier Division (Marshall, Metcalfe 2, Atwell, Cardines) 1984 Stevenage Borough 2-0 Letchworth Garden City, Servowarm League Division Two North (Beech 2) 1985 Letchworth Garden City 1-0 Stevenage Borough, Vauxhall Opel League Division Two North 1987 Stevenage Borough 1-2 Kingsbury Town, Vauxhall Opel League Division One (Pirie) 1989 Stevenage Borough 0-0 Letchworth Garden City, Vauxhall Opel League Division Two North 1990 Stevenage Borough 1-0 Hertford Town, Vauxhall Football League Division Two North (McGill) 1992 Enfield 1-0 Stevenage Borough, Diadora League Premier Division 1994 Kettering Town 0-2 Stevenage Borough, GM Vauxhall Conference (Venables, Lynch) 1996 Stevenage Borough 2-2 Slough Town, GM Vauxhall Conference (Browne, Hayles) 1997 Rushden & Diamonds 2-0 Stevenage Borough, Football Conference 1998 Stevenage Borough 0-0 Rushden & Diamonds, Football Conference 2000 Hayes 0-1 Stevenage Borough, Nationwide Conference (Clarke) 2001 Barnet 0-3 Stevenage Borough, Nationwide Conference (DJ Campbell, McMahon, Sigere) 2002 Kettering Town 1-0 Stevenage Borough, Nationwide Conference 2003 Farnborough Town 2-0 Stevenage Borough, Nationwide Conference 2004 Stevenage Borough 2-1 Barnet, Nationwide Conference (Elding, Maamria)

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2005 Cambridge United 1-0 Stevenage Borough, Nationwide Conference (Berquez s/o) 2006 St Albans City 2-3 Stevenage Borough, Conference National (Miller, Boyd, Morison) 2007 Rushden & Diamonds 0-0 Stevenage Borough, Blue Square Premier 2008 S tevenage Borough 3-1 Rushden & Diamonds, Blue Square Premier (Morison 2, Boylan) 2009 Cambridge United 1-3 Stevenage Borough, Blue Square Premier (Odubade, Griffin, Beardsley) 2011 Colchester United 1-6 Stevenage Borough, npower League One (Shroot, Beardsley, Bostwick, Laird, Freeman, Byron) 2012 Stevenage 1-3 Coventry City, npower League One (Akins) 2013 Colchester United 4-0 Stevenage, Sky Bet League One 2014 Dagenham & Redbridge 0-2 Stevenage Borough, Sky Bet League Two (Lee, Whelpdale) 2015 Crawley Town 2-1 Stevenage, Sky Bet League Two (Tonge) 2016 Stevenage 1-2 Cambridge United, Sky Bet League Two (Kennedy) 2017 Lincoln City 3-0 Stevenage, Sky Bet League Two 2018 Colchester United 1-2 Stevenage, Sky Bet League Two (Own Goal, Newton) 2019 Stevenage 0-0 Forest Green Rovers, Sky Bet League Two 2020 Cheltenham Town 1-1 Stevenage, Sky Bet League Two (Aitchison))

2015; coming from behind with a 90th minute Simon Walton winner to maintain our League Two playoff push.

Zander Diamond put the visitors ahead late in the first half; Joel Byrom of all people providing the assist for them. But we got ourselves back on terms with about 20 minutes left when Chris Whelpdale connected with Dean Parrett’s free kick. Bruno Andrade provided the dramatic late assist for Walton’s winner, before Ryan Cresswell saw red for them.

ON BOTH SIDES…

To play today?: The dugout is where you want to focus your attention today. Two of the three players to have turned out for both sides are no longer in action; Jon Brady taking charge of the Cobblers today and Alex Revell doing his bit to mastermind a Boro’ success. Of course, we can’t ignore the prolific Sam Hoskins in attack for the Cobblers. With a single goal in 14 appearances for us during the 2012-3 campaign, it’s fair to say we didn’t see the best of him.

Best of the Rest: We have a reasonablysized list of players who featured for both Boro’ and the Cobblers at one time or another; some – obviously – more prized than others. We’ve already read how Joel Byrom came back to haunt us with them in 2015. But we’ve also both benefited from the services of players such as Steve Morison, Michael Love, Michael Warner, Ryan Kirby, Bradley Johnson, Ben Coker, Dean Bowditch, and more recently Danny Rose.

MAGIC MOMENT

Sky Bet League Two – 11 April 2015

2 STEVENAGE FC 1

NORTHAMPTON TOWN

Go back past this season and we have no option but to pick out our only other win against the Cobblers for this week’s magic moment. It’s also currently our only home success. And, for good measure, we had to do it the hard way in April

Alex Revell

By Pete Hayman courtesy of

boroguide.co.uk

Steve Morison

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20

STEVENAGE FC v NORTHAMPTON TOWN FC

STEVENAGE FC

ACADEMY G

1st team. We changed our phase structure this season with the introduction of Chris Barrell as our Fundemental Lead (8-10), Tom Farr looking after our U11-14 and Paul Dale leading U15/16.

Our Education and Development Coaches ood afternoon and may I take this now all work with our academy players. This opportunity to wish you all a Merry has allowed our full-time coaches to be more Christmas and enjoyable festive period. hands on with the development of players. We The best of luck to the gaffer also restarted our tour provision and the troops for this afternoon where we went to Super Cup Boxing day fixture.

Northern Ireland which was a As we soon enter into 2024 really good experience for the I thought I would provide a lad and organised by Paul. review on the year 2023. Which Our Goalkeeping department has seen senior debuts, staff continues to get stronger progression and ultimately and stronger, not only did we another of year of enjoyment. have Max make his debut and This year I have been immensely Rylee sign a junior contract, proud of the strides we continue we have also seen an increase to make as an academy. I could in participation across our Jorden Gibs on not do my job without the development centres and support of some excellent staff. holiday camps. Our joint up We are lucky to have such a talented and driven approach with the senior set up group who come to work every day with desire has seen Louis, Lewis Budd (analyst) and Austin to improve everything we do for the players.

Ephgrace (S&C) all work with the senior squad, We saw Makise Evans place himself in the club something Leon Hunter and the Gaffer have record books as the youngster debutant at the again been encouraging off. end of 2022/23 season, however, very quickly I can’t finish without saying a huge Thank you our 15 year old goalkeeper Max Woodford had to Ieuan Lewis our head of coaching for the last the opportunity to claim this honourable award 4 years departs us to join a new chapter in his last month. Other debuts have included David families life. Ieuan is a valued colleague and Hicks and Theo Alexandrou. The gaffer has trusted friend and although we will stay in touch, provided us with nothing, but support, often I will miss him greatly around our club. inviting players to train. In the summer, Owen My last thank you is to our Chairman, Jennie Cochrane, Rylee Mitchell and Theo Alexandrou Cairns, Kylie Wallace and all the key staff who signed their junior professional contracts and has help reinvigorate Shephalbury Sports have been regulars in and around with the Academy, the investment into the facility this senior squad. Owen currently enjoying a spell summer has given it a new lease of life and on loan at National League South with Aveley as we enter into 2024 there is more to come.

FC. The facility was granted with a new kitchen, This year also saw the restructure of our staffing new changing rooms, more gym and medical group; Robyn Reardon our player care lead resources, we have even finished the clean up has been instrumental in providing a strong of all our advertising boards to tidy the place up. network to support our players welfare and at In our next programme notes, I will provide you times, she has been there for the staff. Nick with an update on the new year and what it may Mountford joined us full time in January as has have in stall for us.. supported Ronnie Henry with our U18s. Nick Enough for now, enjoy the game and come on also leads on the loans provision, and we work Boro! closely together to get the best opportunities for our young lads to experience senior football JORDEN GIBSON to hopefully bridge the gap between U18 > Academy Manager

22

STEVENAGE FC v NORTHAMPTON TOWN FC

STEVENAGE FC

WOMEN 10 STEVENAGE FCW O’Brien, Nebbitt, Brooks, Southby, Schofield, New Signing, Bodily, Makewell, Millen, Dempsey, Thomas-O’Keefe Subs: Mercer, Gooderham, Clarke, Fidler, Wilson Goals: Thomas-O’Keefe x 3, Dempsey, New Signing, Southby, Millen, Fidler, Gooderham, Makewell

1 KINGS LYNN TOWN Meale, Hulme, Piolini-Castle, Lawson, York, Rix, Imanalijeva, Scott, Cobb, Kerbey, Ward Subs: C Simper, Parker, S Simper, Norman Goal: Cobb Booked: S Simper

S

tevenage signed off 2023 with a perfect ten as they hit double figures in a game for the first time since November 2018 and for the first time in the league since March the same year. A hat trick for Matilda ThomasO’Keefe, combined with seven other goalscorers saw Boro, end the year on a high in front of their fans as they set down a marker for the start of 2024.

It was a frantic start from Boro’ and it took just seven minutes for Thomas-O;Keefe to open the scoring. The initial shot came in from Lilia Dempsey only to see it saved by the leg of the outstanding Erica Meale. Our new signing challenged for the loose ball with Fabienne Pionlini-Castle and the ball squirmed loose for Thomas-O’Keefe to pivot and send the ball into the net with her left foot and scoring her first goal for the senior team.

Within three minutes Thomas-O’Keefe had turned provider. Her slide rule pass for Dempsey saw the winger cut inside Sarah Hulme and Meale was unable to save with her legs this time as the ball nestled into the net.

Boro’ were good value for there lead and as the fifteen minute mark approached, a third

was scored. This time a free kick which was – somewhat unusually – delivered by Amy Makewell instead of Hannah Nebbitt. The cross was inch perfect for Thomas-O’Keefe to flick past defenders and ‘keeper with her head for her second goal of the day.

The whistle had barely blown for the restart before Boro’ pushed forward and scored again.

Makewell was involved again as her initial shot was blocked by Hulme. Thomas-O’Keefe challenged for it and the ball came loose again for our new signing to fire home from close range to open her account early.

The fifth goal was reached before twenty minutes had elapsed. This time, Meale saw her kick from hands intercepted by Kelsey Millen who saw her touch pounced on by ThomasO’Keefe who rounded the goalkeeper to slide home with her right foot, completing a perfect hat trick of right foot, left foot and head. On her fourteenth appearance – the proof was there as last season’s top goalscorer in the development squad announced her arrival on the big stage showing the girls football pathway is alive and well.

A break in play aided Kings Lynn as they regrouped and reset. There were still five more goals to come, but at least spread out over a seventy minute period. Before they arrived however, Kings Lynn netted what was only their fourth goal of the season so far in the league.

Gabrielle Cobb snaffled up a mistake from Mia O’Brien who miskicked the ball and then lost the footrace to the ball as the attacker shot into an empty net.

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Jodie Southby was next to score. A corner floated across the box and landed at the feet of Makewell. Her shot was weak, but it took a slight deflection off Ellen Kerbey before making its way in front of Southby to turn and force the ball home through a crowd from inside six yards.

The final goal of the half was scored with five minutes remaining. It was unfortunate for Meale, who had spent the half either picking the ball from the net or making outstanding saves to ensure the score did not rack up even higher.

Nebbitt sent a left footed cross into the ball and Meale misjudged the bounce which sailed over her head for Millen to pounce on and poke home.

There was just enough time for Neave Wilson to earn her competitive debut for Boro’ as she replaced Grace Brooks who had been on the receiving end of one too many blows from the ball in a frenetic first half.

The second half saw numerous substitutions and although Boro’ still pressed, seeing two goals from Kristal Clarke and Mathilda Fidler ruled out for offside. However, after more pressure, Boro’ broke through again. This time, Clarke broke free down the left and her shot was saved smartly down low by Meale who was dismayed to see her save trickle into the path of Fidler, who simply couldn’t miss.

Fidler was involved in the next two goals also.

The ninth, scored four minutes after the eighth, saw an outstanding through ball played to Amy Gooderham who when faced one-on-one with Meale, sent the ball through the youngsters legs and into the net for the tenth goal of her Boro’

career. It was a goal that made Gooderham the joint third highest goalscorer currently at the club alongside the inimitable Emily Schofield.

The final goal came courtesy of the penalty spot after Fidler was barged to the ground by Shannon Simper from Ella Mercer’s excellent line breaking pass. Captain Makewell was not giving this penalty away and stepped up to dispatch a rocket into the top bins that wouldn’t have been saved by two goalkeepers. It was her tenth of the season.

The final whistle went and the scenes could not have been more contrasting. It has been a horrific season for Kings Lynn who deserve credit for the way in which they continue to compete despite the odds being seemingly stacked against them this season. For Boro’ however, it was a great result to finish the calendar year on a high. All at Boro’ will hope this is a sign of what is to come from this side next year as they vie for a top 4 finish and a League Cup. You can see Stevenage FCW in action in the first match back for 2024 with Wroxham on Sunday 7th January. This will be a home fixture – keep your eyes on the social media platforms for more details - @stevenagefcw CLICK HERE to visit our YouTube channel for more Stevenage FCW interviews, challenges and content – don’t forget to like and subscribe!

24

STEVENAGE FC v NORTHAMPTON TOWN FC

WELCOME

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

Jon Brady

Meet the boss

managed Brackley Town between 2009 and 2015, winning seven trophies and breaking numerous records as manager of the club, becoming the longest serving and most successful manager in their history.

He joined the Cobblers as Under 16 coach in 2016 and was promoted to Under 18 coach in 2017. He became caretaker manager of the first team, supported by Ian Sampson and Marc Richards, in February 2021, before being appointed manager in May 2021.

Jon Brady played for Hayes, Rushden & Diamonds, Woking, Chester City, Stevenage and Hereford United. He was part of the Diamonds squad that won the Conference title in 2000– 01, scoring the winner at his future club Chester City on the final day of the season to make promotion mathematically certain.

In his coaching career, Brady successfully

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

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RESULTS

Last FIVE Oxford

Fleetwood

Portsmouth

HOME

HOME

W2-1

D2-2

W3-0

22/23 League 2 3rd (P)

21/22 League 2 4th

20/21 League 1 22nd (R)

HOME

SEASONS

Carlisle AWAY

L0-3

W1-2

19/20 League 2 7th (P)

18/19 League 2 15th

ONES TO watch

Shaun McWilliams: A Northampton born midfield player who joined the Northampton Town Academy at the age of 14. Signed a two year professional contract in May 2016 and joined King’s Lynn on a youth loan in August 2016. Was recalled to the PTS Academy Stadium for the closing weeks of the 2016/17 campaign after a successful loan spell, making his debut against Rochdale and impressing in the final few games of the season. Signed a new three year contract in September 2017. Became one of the first set of brothers to play for the club since 1933 when he appeared alongside sibling Camron in the Checkatrade Trophy tie with Fulham under 21s in November 2018. Signed a new contract in the summer of 2022.

illiams

Shaun McW

Blackpool AWAY

Northampton Town first signed Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Marc Leonard on a season long loan in July 2022.

The highly rated Leonard, who was the subject Marc Leonard of interest from a number of clubs throughout the EFL and overseas, has made two first team appearances for Brighton in the Carabao Cup, starting the wins over Cardiff City and Swansea City in the 2021/22 competition. He has also played four Papa John’s Trophy games for the Seagulls, one of which came against the Cobblers at Sixfields in November 2021. Scottish under 21 international Leonard started his career in the Glasgow Rangers academy before joining Hearts. He then moved to Brighton in 2018 and has impressed with his performances for their Under-21 and Under-23 sides. Enjoyed a successful first season on loan and returned to the club in July 2023.

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31

www.stevenagefc.com

WELCOME

LATEST NEWS

To our fellow ‘promotees’ from League 1 last season, Northampton. The Cobblers afforded us really good competition in our previous recent meetings, and I have no reason to assume that it won’t be the same today. Did you know that Northampton was the first club to establish a supporters trust? A personal warm welcome to Andy Roberts who is chair of the Northampton FC Supporters trust and to any of the board/committee who made the journey from Sixfields today.

BOXING DAY

Why is December 26th affectionately known as ‘Boxing Day’? The term derives from when tradesmen would collect their Christmas ‘boxes’ of money on the day after Christmas day from their employers as thanks for all their hard work and efforts throughout the year. Que an SA plug! It’s not too late to purchase a membership of the SA as a way of showing your allegiance to Stevenage FC. For just £15 it’s the perfect gift to give your loved one - in case you forgot to yesterday. See the SA’s website for details. Cold turkey sandwich anyone?

FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION (FSA)

The premier league have announced domestic media rights sales worth £6.7 billion for four seasons commencing 2025/2026. This involves coverage of up to 270 games of the 380 per season compared to 200 now. The new deal infers even fewer Saturday 3 pm kick-offs, causing a massive headache for fans getting to and from games at unsociable hours. Malcolm Clarke (FSA Chair) says: “Broadcasters have almost absolute power in dictating kick-off times and want to see the premier league to do more for supporters with the money generated”.

From my perspective, I say that now is the time for all premier club supporters living in Stevenage to consider supporting their home club. It’s much, much cheaper, it’s convenient, we have a great stadium, kick-off times are virtually guaranteed, it’s a friendlier atmosphere and the football is fantastic.

INTERCITY BORO

On Monday January 1st our journey’s take us to the famous old city of Portsmouth and the famous old ground of Fratton Park. Did you know that Portsmouth is the only English city that is not on the mainland of the UK? Neither did I ‘til I looked it up. So, at a cost of just £25 per member you can travel in comfort on one of our buses which depart the Lamex at 10 am. Let’s see the new year in with a bang and get thee to Pompey on New Year’s day.

See website for details.

HELP WANTED

Chris Bushell used to run the Stevenage Athletics Supporters Club back in the late 1960s/early 1970s.

If anybody knows the whereabouts of Chris, I would like to be acquainted. He is bound to have some fantastic memories of his time with the club, which need to be recorded. If you know of Chris or his whereabouts, please contact me here at the club Lloyd@sfcsa.co.uk

THE MAIN STAND

In the last programme (v. Exeter), I put out an appeal for any photographs people might have about the old Stevenage ground in London Road.

As a consequence, I was absolutely thrilled to receive the accompanying picture from Chris Day. It’s a picture of the old main stand (c.1960), with the brick-built dressing rooms alongside. The stand was opened in the early 1930’s when George Furr was chairman. It’s a rare photo which I’ve never seen before and I can’t thank Chris enough for sending it on.

LLOYD BRISCOE 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

33

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

Piergianni

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

APPEARANCES

Sat Nov 04

Tranmere Rovers

EFAC 2,404

4-3

Sat Nov 11

Wycombe Wanderers

FL1

4,936

1-0

Reid

Tue Nov 14

Crystal Palace U-21

EFLT

607

5-2

OG, Forster-Caskey, White, Pressley x2

Sat Nov 18

Lincoln City

FL1

5,075

1-0

Reid

Sat Nov 25

Fleetwood Town

FL1

2,771

3-0

Reid, Thompson, List

Tue Nov 28

Peterborough United

FL1

5,041

2-2

Wildin, Thompson

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

LEAGUE TABLE

SEPTEMBER 2023 FL1

8,287

Tue Sept 05 AFC Wimbledon

EFLT

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

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

Sat Sept 02

Leyton Orient

3-0

McNeill, Sweeney, Freeman

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

Reid

Sat Oct 28

Derby County

FL1

5,866

3-1

Roberts, MacDonald, Hemmings Roberts, Reid x2, Hemmings

NOVEMBER 2023

DECEMBER 2023 Sat Dec 02

Port Vale

EFAC 2,491

1-1

Reid

Sat Dec 09

Burton Albion

FL1

2-1

Hemmings, Reid

Tue Dec 12

Port Vale

EFAC 2,073 3-3 (4-3) White, Hemmings, Thompson

2,406

PL

GLS

22 (1) 21 (0) 21 (2) 19 (0) 17 (6) 16 (5) 15 (6) 14 (7) 14 (1) 13 (6) 12 (6) 12 (3) 11 (2) 10 (8) 8 (0) 8 (10) 7 (12) 6 (0) 6 (7) 6 (3) 4 (4) 3 (4) 3 (0) 3 (1) 2 (3) 1 (1) 1 (2) 0 (1) 0 (1) 0 (0) 0 (1)

1 0 5 0 15 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 0 1 1 1 3 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

P

W

D

L

Pts

1 Portsmouth

22

14

7

1

49

2 Peterborough United

22

13

5

4

44

3 Bolton Wanderers

21

13

3

5

42 40

Sat Dec 16

Exeter City

FL1

4,007

1-1

Piergianni

Sat Dec 23

Barnsley

FL1 14,525

1-2

Wildin

Tue Dec 26

Northampton Town

FL1

4 Derby County

21

12

4

5

Fri Dec 29

Cambridge United

FL1

5 Oxford United

22

12

4

6

40

6 Stevenage

23

11

7

5

40

JANUARY 2024 Mon Jan 01

Portsmouth

FL1

Sat Jan 06

Maidstone United

EFAC

Sat Jan 13

Shrewsbury Town

FL1

Sat Jan 20

Barnsley

FL1

Sun Jan 27

Wigan Athletic

FL1

7 Barnsley

21

11

5

5

38

8 Blackpool

23

10

6

7

36

9 Lincoln City

23

8

8

7

32

10 Northampton Town

22

9

3

10

30

11 Charlton Athletic

21

7

8

6

29

Sat Feb 03

Blackpool

FL1

12 Bristol Rovers

21

7

7

7

28

Sat Feb 10

Port Vale

FL1

13 Cambridge United

22

7

6

9

27

Tue Feb 13

Bristol Rovers

FL1

Sat Feb 17

Derby County

FL1

14 Shrewsbury Town

23

8

3

12

27

Sat Feb 24

Wycombe Wanderers

FL1

15 Port Vale

21

7

5

9

26

16 Leyton Orient

22

6

7

9

25

17 Wycombe Wanderers

21

6

6

9

24

18 Wigan Athletic

22

9

4

9

23

19 Burton Albion

22

5

6

11

21

20 Exeter City

21

5

4

12

19 18

FEBRUARY 2024

MARCH 2023 Sat Mar 02

Lincoln City

FL1

Sat Mar 09

Fleetwood Town

FL1

Tue Mar 12

Peterborough United

FL1

Sat Mar 16

Leyton Orient

FL1

Sat Mar 23

Carlisle United

FL1

21 Reading

22

6

4

12

Fri Mar 29

Bolton Wanderers

FL1

22 Fleetwood Town

21

4

5

12

17

23 Carlisle United

22

3

7

12

16

24 Cheltenham Town

21

4

4

13

16

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

Stevenage to London by train from *

Book your tickets now at:

thameslinkrailway.com *T&Cs apply. See website for details. Fare stated is based on our Weekend Super Off Peak Day Return ticket from Stevenage to London Terminals

Proudly supporting Stevenage Football Club

Make positive connections for your business, whilst supporting local hospice care.

We have membership packages to suit sole traders and businesses of all sizes.

Business Member

Premier Member

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£33 per month or £396 per year

£59 per month or £708 per year

£81 per month or £972 per year

Includes an invitation to all quarterly events plus socials

Includes social media messaging for your business and free places for your staff at Hospice events

Includes opportunities to host a dedicated area and provide business branding at events

For more information on our membership packages, visit ghhospicecare.org.uk/connect or email connect@ghospicecare.org.uk Registered Charity No. 295257

Unlocking the power of pitches The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s charity.

We award grants and work with partners to deliver outstanding grassroots football facilities across England.

Search Football Foundation to find out more

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.

DEPOSIT LIMITS DEPOSIT LIMITS

THAT’S BETTING BETTER. THAT’S BETTING BETTER.

I T T C

I T I B

IT’S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS...

SCAN TO SHOP

IF THAT THOUGHT IS JAMESON BLACK BARREL ENJOY RESPONSIBLY.

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: Will Finnie ASSISTANT: Abbas Khan ASSISTANT: Andy Bennett FOURTH OFFICIAL: Paul Kelly

NORTHAMPTON TOWN FC MANAGER: JON BRADY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 33 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43

LEE BURGE TYLER MAGLOIRE AARON MCGOWAN JACK SOWERBY JON GUTHRIE SAM SHERRING SAM HOSKINS BEN FOX LOUIS APPÉRÉ DANNY HYLTON MITCHELL PINNOCK EMMANUEL MONTHE ABD-AL-ALI MORAKINYO OLAPOSI KOIKI JORDAN WILLIS TYREECE SIMPSON SHAUN MCWILLIAMS KIERON BOWIE HARVEY LINTOTT MARC LEONARD AKINWALE ODIMAYO WILLIAM HONDERMARCK RYAN HAYNES MAX THOMPSON PETER ABIMBOLA PATRICK BROUGH JAMES DADGE JACOB SCOTT JAMARI HART MATTHEW IRELAND NEO DOBSON REUBEN WYATT LEO JENKINS TOM CARTWRIGHT

UP NEXT AT HOME CAMBRIDGE UTD 29/12/2023 | KO 7.45PM SKY BET LEAGUE ONE

www.stevenagefc.com