Stevenage FC v Port Vale FC

B RO INTERACTIVE DIGITAL PROGRAMME 2023/24 NO. 8

v PORT VALE FC

MATCH SPONSOR

Saturday, October 21 2023 Kick-Off: 3.00pm

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MANAGER

All photos by Jim Steele unless otherwise stated

STEVE EVANS

SPONSORED BY

We have to look after ourselves

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DIRECTOR

STUART DINSEY W elcome back to the Lamex for another game between two clubs near the top end of EFL League One. Our opponents Port Vale are enjoying their second season back in the third tier, less than 18 months on from an impressive L2 play-off final win over Mansfield at Wembley.

Time moves quickly in football and the pressure is relentless, but both clubs are intent on establishing themselves as high as possible in the league, and it will be yet another tough encounter.

League One rolls on at pace, with massive games for us at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night then home to Derby County next Saturday.

Attendances have risen, with our average after six home games comfortably over 4,500 – which isn’t too far off double the number at this stage last season.

We know we are a small club, but progress is being made and we must thank you for getting

behind the team and for spreading the word.

We need you and we appreciate you.

I must also thank our Supporters Association secretary Andrew Mugridge and everyone who travelled with the SA coach to Blackpool for their impeccable behaviour last Saturday despite departure being delayed until a good couple of hours after the match finished.

The coach had been damaged by locals, but such an incident is incredibly rare, thankfully, and our away support – just as at home – means a lot to the management staff and the players. Keep the faith.

Finally, interest has increased across commercial and hospitality as well as in the seats and on the East Terrace. A monthly business networking club has been launched and there are more new events on the way. If you want to get involved, please contact our commercial manager David Hoskins.

Enjoy the game.

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STEVENAGE FC v PORT VALE FC

AHEAD OF

THE GAME 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

TICKETS & TRAVEL

BRISTOL ROVERS (TUES 24 OCT 7.45PM) Match tickets are available online at www.borotickets.co.uk, from the Stevenage FC Club Shop (open Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays 10am-5pm) and from Bloomfield Road on the day of the game.

• Adult £26 • 65+ £22 • U18 £20 • U14 £7

£5 TICKETS FOR KEY SERVICE WORKERS THIS SATURDAY

TICKET INFO

MATCH TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR STEVENAGE VS PORT VALE 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

All NHS staff, Emergency Services workers and Armed Forces members can attend Saturday’s game for just a fiver in appreciation for their selfless and inspiring work in our local area.

To redeem this offer, please visit the Club Shop on Friday (10am-5pm) or the North Stand Ticket Office on Saturday (Midday-3pm) with your Blue Light Card, Staff ID or Official Veterans Card.

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STEVENAGE FC

SOCIAL

@StevenageFC

Enjoy your Saturday night, Boro fans!

stevenagefcofficial

💙 THANK YOU 💙

All NHS staff, Emergency Service workers & Armed Forces members can attend Boro' vs Port Vale for just £5.

🔥

@StevenageFC

Fifth-placed Stevenage aim for another home win on Saturday!

❤

stevenagefcofficial Homecoming.

❤️

@StevenageFC

Junior Boro members can WIN a copy of #FC24, SIGNED by Manager Steve Evans!

🤩

stevenagefcofficial

Outstanding noise from 555 of you here today.

We’ll bounce back.

😍

@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.

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Stevenage Football Club.

Official Facebook Page of Stevenage Football Club.

79k Followers

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fan

FOCUS

FIRST GAME? YEAR, SEASON?

I first went to matches when Stevenage played on a Monday evening.

However my regular attendance began in April 2006 when I retired. I have had a season ticket since the 2006/7 season.

WHICH SECTION OF THE GROUND DO YOU NORMALLY WATCH THE MATCHES FROM? Normally I sit in the West Stand ( overlooking the ‘dugouts’).

DR AND

REW J N

ICHOLL

S

BEST MEMORY/MEMORIES OF SUPPORTING BORO?

One of my best memories is the first time we won the FA Trophy. A real feeling of excitement that day.

One of my best memories is the first time we won the FA Trophy

FAVOURITE ALL-TIME PLAYER (AND WHY)?

One of my all time favourite players Steve Morison, it seemed we had to just get a ball to him and we scored.

FAVOURITE CURRENT PLAYER (AND WHY)?

It’s difficult to select a single player from our current squad, but if I have to Carl Piergianni - Mr Reliable.

FAVOURITE BORO SHIRT?

As to my favourite shirt- I liked the solid red stripes.

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!

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

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Match

3

V

BLACKPOOL

STEVENAGE

Rhodes 38’, Dale 60’, CJ Hamilton 78’

54%

14 46%

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POSSESSION

3

SHOTS

3

SHOTS ON TARGET

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CROSSES

0

ACTION

Defeat in Blackpool full of controversy with questionable offside decision...

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SPONSORED BY

MATCHDAY MASCOTs

W

e have got no less than three mascots at The Lamex today hoping to give Boro enough luck for another win.

First up it’s a big Boro hello to George Payne, 11, who is from Hertford and attends Richard Hale School.

George cites football as his main hobby and Carl Piergianni is his favourite Boro player.

Next up it’s Henry Bloomfield, 7. Henry Lives in Letchworth and attends St Thomas More School.

George Payne

He also lists football as his main hobby and skipper Carl Piergianni as his favourite home player.

Last, but by no means least, we welcome Lewis Suter to our team of mascots. Lewis, 7, lives in Luton and attends Oulton Broad Primary School. His hobbies are football, Lego and playing Nintendo and he also names Carl Piergianni as his favourite player.

Let’s hope the skip makes sure it’s a clean sheet for the three mascots this afternoon and that Boro make it three more points.

Henry Bloomfield

Lewis Suter

interactive Boro quiz!

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

CLICK HERE!

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FROM THE

ARCHIVES

S

tevenage hosted Horsham in the fourth round of qualifying for the FA Cup. And it appeared that Horsham were going to create a magical moment to prevent Stevenage, who had only tasted defeat once all season, at home, from progressing.

The hopeful 1,051 Stevenage fans inside Broadhall Way were soon cheering as Mitchell Cole finished off a chance that was created by a deep Stevenage free kick, putting the hosts 1-0 up just after half an hour. Perhaps expecting the victory to soon become a formality, Stevenage were caught napping as they conceded just over a minute after they had gone ahead as Horsham’s Sigere was allowed to easily slot the ball past Stevenage ‘keeper Chris Day; almost instantly levelling the game.

Saturday 25 October 2008

FA Cup R4Q

If the alarm bells hadn’t already started ringing for the hosts, they certainly were at half time as just before the break Horsham put themselves ahead.

A lofted ball in behind the ‘Boro defence allowed Horsham’s Sigere to set up Farrell who slammed his shot into the Stevenage net, much to the delight of the small number of travelling Horsham supporters who had made the 160-mile round trip.

Stevenage started to make substitutions to try and salvage the National League’s sides chances of progression in the FA Cup; it was the introduction of Scott Laird who proved to play dividends as he powered home Stevenage’s equaliser in the final ten minutes of the game.

Despite their best efforts, Stevenage were held to a draw, ensuring a reply for Horsham’s valiant efforts. The Boro would then go and defeat Horsham 4-1 away, four days later, to gain a first-round tie against League One outfit, Leicester City.

ALFIE NICHOLSON CLICK BELOW TO CHECK OUT THE PROGRAMME

2 STEVENAGE 2 COLCHESTER

STARTING XI

16 Chris Day 2 Lawrie Wilson 5 Luke Oliver 6 Mark Albrighton 4 Eddie Odhiambo 23 Andy Drury 15 John Martin 24 Michael Bostwick 13 Daryl McMahon 20 Steve Morison 21 Mitchell Cole

SUBSTITUTES

1 Ashley Bayes 3 Scott Laird 7 Anthony Thomas 19 Calum Willock 30 Peter Vincenti Stats courtesy of Boroguide

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STEVENAGE FC v PORT VALE FC

BORO

HISTORY

ON THIS DAY: 07 OCTOBER

Boro’ are looking to bounce back after defeat at Blackpool today – but, alas, our record on 21 October won’t provide much comfort. Eight times we’ve played on this date in our senior era – and five times we’ve been on the wrong side of the result. Going back through the archives, nowhere is more evident of our misfortune on this date than an away trip to Chesham United in 1992; the Generals inflicting one of our worstever defeats on us.

Though not as bad, defeats have been the order of the day on 21 October in our time in the Football League. On two separate occasions, we were second-best on the day; the first coming in 2014, where a 79th-minute winner edged us out by the odd goal in five against Portsmouth.

The worst thing about that, perhaps, is the fact that we’d got back on terms just five minutes beforehand courtesy of Chris Beardsley.

Out of the three outings on this date that didn’t end in defeat, two were victories – and both came on the road. First, we saw success in our FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round tie at Aylesbury

1986 Leytonstone Ilford 1-0 Stevenage Borough, Vauxhall Opel League Division One 1989 Stevenage Borough 1-1 Tring Town, Vauxhall Opel League Division Two North (Williams) 1992 Chesham United 7-1 Stevenage Borough, Diadora League Premier Division (Gittings) 1995 Aylesbury United 1-3 Stevenage Borough, FA Cup R4Q (Crawshaw 2, Browne) 2000 Nuneaton Borough 0-3 Stevenage Borough, Nationwide Conference (Hay, Armstrong, Clarke) 2006 Stevenage Borough 0-2 Northwich Victoria, Conference National 2014 Portsmouth 3-2 Stevenage, Sky Bet League Two (Wells, Beardsley) 2017 Stevenage 1-2 Forest Green Rovers, Sky Bet League Two (Godden) United in 1995. The second, meanwhile, was five years later; Boro’ with a comfortable 3-0 triumph at Nuneaton Borough – our third successive win and seventh in the league without defeat. Alas, our opponents that day gained revenge on us a week later in the FA Cup after a replay.

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IT’S PORT VALE AGAIN…

After a one-season hiatus, we lock horns with the Valiants once more; adding to 17 past encounters that have, on the whole, been evenly-contested. Boro’ currently edge things with five wins to their four, while the remaining eight were draws – including our last meeting at the Lamex in August 2021. We are, however, currently on a run of three without a win; taking us back to November 2020 when Boro’ came out on top here by two goals to one.

MAGIC MOMENT

npower League Two – Monday 25 April 2011

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STEVENAGE FC

0 PORT VALE This won’t go down as our biggest win against today’s visitors in scoreline terms – nor is it our most recent. But would you argue it’s our most significant to date? Quite possibly. We welcomed the Valiants to the Lamex on Easter Monday 2011 in hot pursuit of the League Two playoffs. A Good Friday defeat away to Southend United, however, had checked our momentum. And our guests here had outside hopes of their own of making the top seven.

In the end, we all-but-ended Vale’s hopes of being a part of that promotion picture. At the same time, we got our push back on track. The hero that afternoon? Well, he wasn’t the most likely matchwinner – but Lawrie Wilson was the man who came up with the goods on 72 minutes; striking home after Craig Reid saw his effort blocked. It was a hard-fought win and our guests weren’t without their chances – but we were good enough on the day to secure the three points.

BORO’ AT THIS STAGE…

Gameweek 14 Our form hasn’t been perfect of late – but, at this level, it was arguably never going to be.

And, when compared with previous seasons, our record after 13 games remains relatively favourable; our joint-16th best record at this point of any league campaign. Our return of 21 points from the 39 on offer is comparable in that regard with 1989-90, 2005-6, 2017-8, and 2018-

9. None of those were at this level, however, and our current goal difference (+5) is superior.

On five occasions, our win count had gone into double figures by this point of the season.

The first – and best – is still the 1980-1 season: 11 wins and 42 goals for at this relatively early stage. But, being as it was only two points for a win back then, we only had 23 points on the board. And that means 1993-4 leads the way in a points-based argument (32 – 10 wins, two draws, and one defeat). Interestingly, last season (2022-3) is just a point off that pace.

A final note (and an ironic cheer please) – it was at this stage of the 2019-20 season that we finally got a league win to our ame. That, and the 2020-1 season, are the only two where our points haul was still in single figures at this point.

ON BOTH SIDES…

Lawrie Wilson – having scored our winning goal against the Valiants in March 2011 – would go on to be one of those who have turned out for both sides over the years; spending a short spell at Vale Park during the 2017-8 season.

If it’s current players you’re after, we don’t appear to have any ex-Valiants in our ranks – but we might see two in the opposition dugout or line-up today; Tom Conlon moving to Vale Park from us in 2018 and one-time loanee Ryan Loft.

Elsewhere, the list of players to feature for us and them at one point or another is mainly populated by midfielders or attackers. We have: Steve Guppy, David Amoo, Tom Pett, Chris Lines, Daryl McMahon, Darren Murphy, Anthony Grant, Kurtis Guthrie, Calum Willock, Justin Richards, Akpo Sodje, Tyler Walker, Harry McKirdy, and Jennison Myrie-Williams among others. At the back? Well, Ryan Johnson and Luke Prosser are in there – but no goalkeepers that we know of…

By Pete Hayman courtesy of

boroguide.co.uk

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22

STEVENAGE FC v PORT VALE FC

STEVENAGE FC

ACADEMY H ello and good afternoon everyone. Wow, a year since I started at Stevenage FC’s Academy, and I feel we are is a good place with all our younger age groups. We continue to find new ways and new competitions to stretch and challenge our boys. During July we embarked on our first football tour or tournament run independently by Stevenage FC Academy as a department. Entering the prestigious Super Cup Northern Ireland (formally the Milk Cup) Considering the age disparity; boys with birth years ranging from 2009 to 2010, we thought the tour was an outstanding success.

The boys experienced competing against players from the USA and Ireland, a semi final game against Charlton Athletic and a third and fourth place play off against Glasgow Rangers, losing out on penalties.

PLAYERS AND STAFF VISITING GIANT’S CAUSEWAY

The games programme continues to challenge our boys, facing opposition from across the spectrum of Categorised Clubs including a number of Cat 1 Clubs such as; Brighton and Nottingham Forest through pre-season, both games the U15/16 were victorious in. A combined U15/16 played and trained together for the majority of pre-season. Something that has helped the younger boy, they’ve had opportunities to showcase their talent, not only in training in front of the academy

staff, but in matches and tournaments against other competitive academies. The success of combining the two age groups was evident during a summer tournament that included local rivals Cambridge United, Peterborough United, MK Dons and Oxford United. An 11v11 competition the young lads excelled in, making it through the day undefeated as tournament champions.

We continue to nurture our Under 16 for the next phase of their journey, with those already offered scholarships, Frank Norris, Tatenda Mutanga, Ryan Doherty and Riley England, featuring regularly with the Under 18 on match days. Along side being selected for games, the early scholars have been put through their paces during the summer and half term breaks, training on a daily basis with the Under 18. Due to the success of the combined summer programme with Under 15/16 we have also pushed other players across with the Under 18 through pre-season. This regular exposure to the next level of academy football has helped identify additional players in our Under 16 cohort. Lenny Brown performed well, impressing the academy staff during the summer enough to be offered a scholarship with the club for the next two years.

All in all, a good period for the Youth Development Phase and the rest of the Academy age groups. I hope you have a great day at the game… get behind the boys, make some noise and COME ON THE BORO! PAUL DALE Youth Development Phase Lead Coach

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STEVENAGE FC v PORT VALE FC

STEVENAGE FC

WOMEN 2 STEVENAGE FCW Ray, Thomas-O’Keefe, Edge, Gunn, Brooks, Dempsey, Schofield, Bodily, Makewell (c), Gooderham, Clarke Subs: Nebbitt, Baker-Re, Craig, Ruse Goals: Mehmet (OG), Clarke

0 WORMLEY ROVERS Hebborn, Manning, Daltrey, Mehmet, Ouarel, Purdue, Cooper, Howell, Lang, Japal, Xhema Subs: Stern, Williams, Bishop, Kirkpatrick

S

tevenage FCW were in unfamiliar territory as they played only their second home game of the season so far in a fairly one sided affair. The game saw Wormley Rovers arrive at The County Ground hoping to avoid a repeat of the 5-0 drubbing they received in the same competition last season and they will be pleased to have achieved exactly that, although Boro’ will wonder how on earth the scoreline stayed so low.

It was a game that saw the home side welcome back Nicole Cooper and Ciara Purdue, both of whom represented the club last season, as well as a start for Chloe Gunn that earned her a 50th cap for the team.

It did not take Boro’ long to hit their stride and in the opening five minutes, Kristal Clarke had two good half chances to open the scoring. Amy Gooderham attempted a shot from distance and Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe had an excellent opportunity that she couldn’t quite steer goalwards as she stretched for the ball.

It took eight minutes for the deadlock to be broken as Lilia Dempsey showed her wizardry down the right hand side, jinking and jiving through the defence and sending the ball square across the goal for Adel Mehmet to send into her own net.

Boro’ continued to press forward and Clarke and Thomas-O’Keefe both had a chance to control

the ball in the box and send it goalward before a sizeable break in play for treatment to Aulona Xhema.

Thomas O’Keefe and Clarke again saw opportunities presented that flew wide of the near post on three separate occasions before Dempsey tried to emulate Becky Shephard in this same fixture last year, with a goal direct from a corner that Hebborn was equal to.

Clarke had the best chance of the half presented to her with a few minutes of regulation time remaining. A stray ball from the defence saw a misplaced pass straight to Clarke who had room to run. She chose to shoot and the ball landed just wide to the relief of a Wormley side who had such bright shirts on, it seemed impossible to miss them.

With the whistle ready to blow, Purdue saw an effort, that sent Celine Ray scrambling to her goal line, fly over the bar as Wormley had their brightest spell of the match towards the end of the half.

The away side began the second half in the same manner with a ball shot over the bar after five minutes. That marked the best two chances of the game for the visitors as the hosts began to exert yet more pressure.

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www.stevenagefc.com

Amy Makewell had two efforts from distance that did not test the ‘keeper as she would have liked before Anna Baker-Re gave Hebborn a fright with a superb effort that only just went over the bar.

Hebborn thwarted both Makewell and Clarke as each tried to find a way past the ‘keeper, but she stopped everything, saw them wide or used an outstanding reach to steal the ball from feet.

Baker-Re saw a speculative drive deflected and then pushed wide again by Hebborn as Boro’ just could not find a way through the force field that seemed to surround the goal.

Thomas-O’Keefe saw a left footed drive fly wide and it seemed as though Boro’ were destined to invite jeopardy until Baker-Re provided her third assist of the season for Clarke’s third goal of her Boro’ career. It was a well taken finish as BakerRe left her one-on-one with Hebborn and Clarke won the battle this time as she shot hard past the goalkeeper. It marked her second cup goal for Stevenage, with her last one coming in the 21/22 season against Garston, when an injury occurred to keep her out for the rest of that season following the 4-0 win.

Baker-Re and Clarke had efforts batted away as Izzy Ruse was introduced for her official senior debut in between them. Ruse had previously played for thirty minutes in the same game Cooper made her unofficial debut – against Harlow. However as they left the league, the appearances were voided making this an official appearance.

Then came a truly unbelievable sequence.

Clarke rounded Hebborn, but sent the ball too wide. Her pull back preceded a great cross that Dempsey collected, only for her shot to cannon off the crossbar and land at the feet of Ciara Craig who sent the ball over from close range.

Thomas-O’Keefe had another effort fly wide in injury time, but Boro’ had no problem seeing out the game and advancing to the next round. Dave Perry was delighted afterwards, “Cup games are all about going through and we have so that’s the most important thing. It was a controlled game and we moved the ball well. We could have had the game wrapped up by half time, but we didn’t and we had to make sure the game was safe.”

Stevenage will move into the next round now where they will face their opponents from last season’s final – Royston Town - at The County Ground on the 19th November 2023.

You can see Stevenage FCW as they attempt to reach the first round of the FA Cup at high flying Real Bedford on Sunday 22nd October.

Keep your eye on the social media platforms – Instagram, TikTok and X 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!

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STEVENAGE FC v PORT VALE FC

STEVENAGE FC

FOUNDATION FUNDING PARTNERS

COMMUNITY KITCHEN

We will be supporting families by giving you key tips to take home and replicate recipes

Back by popular demand, our highly acclaimed Community Kitchen programme has returned!

Thanks to funding from Stevenage Borough Council, we will be delivering 8 free courses for families over the next year, and we would love for you to join us.

The Community Kitchen programme has been designed for families with children aged 5 – 12, for all of you to learn how to cook healthy, simple meals without breaking the bank and spending time together as a family, making meal times fun!

The weekly two-hour sessions will be led by our friendly culinary tutor who will take you through all aspects of planning, preparing and cooking great meals. We will

be supporting families by giving you key tips to take home and replicate recipes, plus you will be engaging in some fun family activities too!

We provide additional support around managing food budgets, food hygiene and leading healthy, active lifestyles with simple steps in a group environment.

Giving you a chance to meet other families from your local community as well!

Our next 6 week course begins on Monday 30th October and will take place every week at the Stevenage Education Support Centre from 4:00 – 6:00pm.

To register your interest, please email communitykitchen@stevenagefcf.com or call 01438 222222 and ask for the Health team.

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STEVENAGE FC v PORT VALE FC

STEVENAGE FC

FOUNDATION FUNDING PARTNERS

LUKE FOSTER DEPARTS

The Foundation says goodbye to one of their long standing members of staff at the game today, as Luke Foster departs for new opportunities.

Having joined the team in June 2018 as a Community Coach, Luke has gone on to spearhead our youth engagement work leading both our NCS and Premier League Kicks projects, engaging with thousands of young people during his time, giving them opportunities to grow and live positive lives.

Alongside his youth engagement role, Luke has been a prominent figure in local primary schools and coached on our girls’ talent pathway, most recently with the U16s in our Girls Development Centre.

A hugely popular character with everyone at the Foundation and the Club, Luke will be sorely missed, and on behalf of everyone, we wish him the very best in his next step closer to home in London, but with the same goal of supporting young people in his community to be the best versions of themselves.

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

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STEVENAGE FC v PORT VALE FC

WELCOME

www.port-vale.co.uk CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE SQUAD LIST

Meet the boss

Rotherham born Andy Crosby joined the Valiants on a permanent deal in June 2021, after spending time supporting Manager Darrell Clarke at Vale Park during the latter stages of the 2020/21 Sky Bet League Two campaign.

A defender in his playing days, Crosby made 715 career appearances scoring 43 goals, with his first foray into coaching coming in 2006 when he was named player-coach under Nigel Adkins at Scunthorpe United.

In 2010 he was appointed as the Assistant

Manager at Southampton under Adkins, where the pair would guide The Saints from League One all the way up to the Premier League with backto-back promotions.

Andy Crosby Crosby has played a central role at Port Vale since his permanent arrival at Vale Park, with both Manager Darrell Clarke and Director of Football Dave Flitcroft emphasising how important he is to the football club.

In February of the 2021/22 season, Crosby took charge of the first team in the absence of Darrell Clarke who was on compassionate leave due to a family bereavement. Crosby led the team for 17 matches, winning nine and drawing four as helped the team to achieve a Play-Off finish.

As an act of gratitude towards Crosby, Manager Darrell Clarke selected him to lead the team out at Wembley ahead of our Play-Off Final victory over Mansfield Town to secure promotion to Sky Bet League One.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

33

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SEASONS

RESULTS

Last FIVE Newcastle U21

Portsmouth

HOME

AWAY

W2-1 22/23 League 1 18th

Bristol R

Bolton

Sutton

L2-0

L3-0

L0-1

W2-1

21/22 League 2 5th (P)

20/21 League 2 13th

19/20 League 2 8th

18/19 League 2 20th

AWAY

ONEs TO watch

NATHAN SMITH

Madeley-based Academy graduate now in his seventh full season in the first team at Vale Park.

Nathan Smith signed his first professional contract with Vale in mith the summer of 2014 Nathan S and spent time on loan with both Stafford Rangers and Torquay United, winning both the Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season awards during his time at Plainmoor in the 2015/16 campaign.

His Vale debut came on the opening day of the 2016/17 League One season as he featured in a 0-0 draw at Bradford City, with his first goal following ten days later in a 1-0 victory against Rochdale at Vale Park.

Smith was an ever-present in his debut campaign at Vale Park, collecting a clean-sweep at the End of Season Awards, most notably winning the Player of the Year award in an ultimately disappointing campaign for Vale, who were relegated to League Two.

HOME

BEN GARRITY

HOME

2021/22 Player and Players’ Player of the Year, Ben Garrity enjoyed a successful first campaign at Vale Park after joining from Blackpool.

Garrity’s debut campaign at Vale Park returned 12 goals and one assist in 43 regular season league matches he played as he quickly endeared himself to the Vale supporters.

He played local football in Liverpool, most notably for Lower Breck, before joining Warrington Town in 2018 and starring for the Yellows in 18 months at Cantilever Park, which preceded a move to the EFL with Blackpool in January 2020.

However, he was allowed to leave Bloomfield Road on loan early in the 2020/21 campaign, joining Oldham Athletic in League Two and making his league debut, scoring in a 3-0 win over Carlisle United in the EFL Cup on his debut.

In total, Garrity made 38 appearances for the Latics before returning to Blackpool, who allowed him to Ben Garr ity move to Vale for an undisclosed fee.

35

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STEVENAGE FC

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WELCOME

LATEST NEWS

A great big warm Boro welcome to our good friends from their Burslam home in the Potteries, to our little corner of Hertfordshire, this afternoon.

The Valiants have a really great bunch of fans.

What I call “proper” supporters, who follow their side through thick and thin. Good to see you all here, and whilst I’m at it, I’d like to a special welcome to Mark Porter, who’s doing a fantastic job as chair of the Port Vale Supporters’ Club.

BLACKPOOL

I was both shocked and horrified last Saturday to hear of the incident at Blackpool where one of our supporter’s buses was vandalised whilst a number of our supporters were aboard.

The rear window of the bus was shattered by a projectile and broken glass showered all over those within its proximity.

The SA – along with the club – are attempting to identify precisely who the culprits were and to forward any subsequent findings to the Lancashire Constabulary.

Whilst I (personally) suspect it was caused by an unruly element in the Blackpool locality, I have engaged the help of the Blackpool Supporters’ Trust, to use their influence in order to help find a resolution.

Our supporters were delayed in Blackpool for several hours whilst the bus was repaired.

However, the ground staff at Bloomfield Road did all they could to make the Boro fans

welcome and accommodating. To quote our own Andy Mugridge who was there at the time: “ I want to state for the record, a massive thank you to the Blackpool staff in the bar that housed us whilst the coach was being fixed. They are a credit to their club.”

BORO BUS

Every time I pen these notes for the next forthcoming away game, I usually tend to cite something like “travel door-to-door in comfort and safety…” Sadly, after last Saturday’s incident, that might seem a little hollow – for all the wrong reasons.

However, I hope – I sincerely hope – that this incident isn’t typical, and that you’re not put off by obvious benefits that an organised bus to an away game can offer.

So, on Tuesday October 24th, we go to Bristol Rovers. It’s a 4:00pm departure at a cost of just £25 for members. Do please come, if you can make it.

Our next away game after that is to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday November 11th (Armistice Day). The bus will leave The Lamex at 12:00 mid-day and costs just £20 for members.

Our bus organisers – Andy and John – were absolutely crest-fallen after the events last Saturday. Cheer them up if you can by making sure we fill the buses for these two games.

AGM

The SA are holding our annual general meeting on Thursday October 26th here at The Lamex.

We plan to commence at 7:00pm with a summary of a “behind the scenes” scenario by senior officers at the club, followed by a “question and answer” session.

We will then break for 10 minutes before resuming conventional AGM business as befitting the occasion.

All welcome – providing you are an SA member!

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

10,516

0-3

Sat Oct 14

Blackpool

FL1

Sat Oct 21

Port Vale

FL1

Tue Oct 24

Bristol Rovers

FL1

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

APPEARANCES

PL

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

LEAGUE TABLE

GLS

15 (1) 14 (0) 14 (2) 14 (2) 12 (3) 11 (0) 11 (3) 10 (6) 9 (1) 8 (4) 8 (6) 8 (0) 7 (1) 6 (0) 6 (7) 6 (6) 4 (4) 4 (8) 3 (0) 3 (4) 3 (3) 3 (2) 2 (4) 2 (3) 2 (0) 1 (1) 1 (2) 0 (0) 0 (0)

1 0 3 0 0 0 0 9 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

P

W

D

L

Pts

Sat Dec 09

Burton Albion

FL1

1 Portsmouth

12

8

4

0

28

Sat Dec 16

Exeter City

FL1

Sat Dec 23

Barnsley

FL1

2 Oxford United

11

9

0

2

27

Tue Dec 26

Northampton Town

FL1

3 Barnsley

12

7

1

4

22

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

FL1

4 Peterborough United

12

6

3

3

21

5 Stevenage

13

6

3

4

21 20

6 Bolton Wanderers

11

6

2

3

7 Blackpool

12

5

4

3

19

8 Wycombe Wanderers

11

6

1

4

19

9 Derby County

11

5

3

3

18

10 Leyton Orient

12

5

2

5

17

11 Port Vale

12

5

2

5

17

FL1

12 Exeter City

12

5

1

6

16

13 Burton Albion

13

4

4

5

16

14 Charlton Athletic

11

4

3

4

15

15 Bristol Rovers

11

4

3

4

15

16 Lincoln City

11

4

3

4

15

17 Cambridge United

12

4

3

5

15

FEBRUARY 2024 Sat Feb 03

Blackpool

Sat Feb 10

Port Vale

FL1

Tue Feb 13

Bristol Rovers

FL1

Sat Feb 17

Derby County

FL1

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

MARCH 2023

18 Shrewsbury Town

12

4

2

6

14

19 Northampton Town

11

4

1

6

13

FL1

20 Carlisle United

13

2

5

6

11

Carlisle United

FL1

21 Fleetwood Town

11

2

2

7

8

Bolton Wanderers

FL1

22 Reading

11

3

1

7

6

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

APRIL 2024

23 Wigan Athletic

11

4

1

6

5

24 Cheltenham Town

12

0

2

10

2

CLICK HERE FOR FULL TABLE AND STATS

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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.

DEPOSIT LIMITS DEPOSIT LIMITS

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

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 Jackson ASSISTANT: Paul Evans ASSISTANT: Adam Ricketts FOURTH OFFICIAL: Andy Bennett

PORT VALE FC

MANAGER: ANDY CROSBY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 44

CONNOR RIPLEY LEWIS CASS DAN JONES TOM SANG KOFI BALMER NATHAN SMITH MITCH CLARK BEN GARRITY ETHAN CHISLETT ALFIE DEVINE JAYSON LEUTWILER FUNSO OJO CONOR GRANT JASON LOWE ALEX IACOVITTI OLIVER ARBLASTER GAVIN MASSEY TOM CONLON JAMES PLANT JACK SHORROCK RHYS WALTERS BAYLEE DIPEPA LIAM BRAZIER JESSE DEBRAH ANDREW BUAH JAMES WILSON JOSH THOMAS

UP NEXT AT HOME DERBY COUNTY 28/10/2023 | KO 3.00PM EFL LEAGUE ONE

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