Stevenage FC v AFC Wimbledon

BORO

v AFC WIMBLEDON

Saturday, April 15 2023

Kick-Off: 3.00pm

ONLINE DISCOUNT FOR ADVANCE MATCH TICKETS CLICK HERE

THE MANAGER STEVE EVANS

All photos by Jim Steele unless otherwise stated

“An exciting time for everyone!”

PHIL WALLACE

Good afternoon and welcome to the players and officials of AFC Wimbledon.

What a cracking end to the season. Our recent results have not seen us bank the points we wanted, but we’re still in this promotion race and two home games in four days could put us right back there. I thought the effort from our lads recently has been first class and, with a little more of a measured, clinical approach to our finishing, we could comfortably have won most of the last five games we’ve drawn but dominated. This ‘could have been’ approach doesn’t help because we are where we are, but if we can improve our final third play, we will start taking all three points.

Our injury list has been a factor, but all clubs suffer injuries – it’s part of the game. I don’t think I’ve ever seen us use five goalkeepers in three months – three of those lost to injury. Having 60% of our five strikers unavailable for the rest of the normal season doesn’t help our cause much either, but every game is an opportunity for someone to grow and show what they can do.

Our attendance figures are growing, and we’re starting to do now what we’ve promised for a long time – give you entertaining matches and a promotion fight. I’m sure we’ll see all sorts of twists and turns with the clubs we’re competing with, but that’s why we all love the game! I have believed we have something special since the first game in Jersey back in July, and I’ve loved every minute of this season so far. To push on now, face the challenge and emerge as winners in four of the six games we have left will put us in a very strong position for automatic promotion. Off the pitch, the search for a new commercial manager has begun in earnest, and I know Mike Pink has started to receive numerous applications for the Head of Commercial position. We’re also seeking an experienced part-time bookkeeper to join our finance team, so it’s an exciting and busy time for our admin folks. Back to the match – if you’re going to be at The Lamex this Saturday and Tuesday, let’s hear your support of the lads. Enjoy the game.

2022/2023 STAT PACK

Stevenage have faced AFC Wimbledon five times previously in League Two and won four of them (D1), including this season’s reverse meeting (3-2).

AFC Wimbledon’s only point and clean sheet against Stevenage in League Two was in their last such away visit, a 0-0 draw in April 2016.

GOAL TIMES

TODDS GREEN, SG1 2JE, HERTFORDSHIRE

3 DAYS 6 STAGES 80+ ACTS

FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

ROCKET MAN

ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE

ULTIMATE COLDPLAY SUPERSONIC QUEEN

rick parfitt Jnr & Rpj band spice a tribute to the spice girls

hometown glory adele trIbUte

abba lush KAZABIAN badness

arctic monkeyz

Definitely could be oasis greendays

beach boyz billy idol uk tribute ELVIS live

CHASING MUMFORD the sound of springsteen

the jam’d ska britannia furnace & the fundamentals

the carpenters songbook Daisy & The Dukes

Meanstreak desert penguins

benidorm tom saboteurs Scallywags DIRTY HALF HUNDRED

STEVE YOUNG & BAND Andrea Wilde and the Whisky Chasers

magenta slipperz plus loads more the myndset

afterparty in the woods

FRIDAY SATURDAY

judge jules pat sharp plus special guests

free shuttle service to train station free parking KIDS ARENA

promoting local talent vintage funfair NEW! WELLNESS IN THE WOODS

world street food

bottomless prossecco vip breakfast CAMPING & glamping

tickets available at www.toddinthehole.co.uk

AHEAD OF THE GAME

MATCHDAY TIMINGS

CLUB SHOP: Midday – Kick-Off + 15 minutes after full-time

TICKET OFFICE: Midday – 3.15pm (Pay on the day)

THE BROADHALL SUITE: Midday – Kick-Off (Home & Away supporters)

THE 76 LOUNGE: Midday – Kick-Off (Home & Away supporters) Half-Time (North Stand Ticket Holders) Full-Time –8pm (Home & Away supporters)

TICKETS & TRAVEL

MANSFIELD TOWN

Kicking off at 3pm in Sky Bet League

Two, Steve Evans’ men make the 236-mile round trip to The One Call Stadium to take on Nigel Clough’s Stags. Match tickets are available online at www.borotickets.co.uk , from the Stevenage FC Club Shop (open Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays 10am-5pm) and from The One Call Stadium away end ticket booth on the day of the game.

Advanced/Matchday

• Adults: £20/£22

• 65+: £18/£20

• 18-21: £16/£18

• 13-17: £13/£14

• 7-12: £9/£10

• Under 7: Free

• Family (1x Adult & 1x Junior/Child): £23/£23

The Stevenage FC Supporters Association coach will be departing The Lamex Stadium at 11am on the day of the game, with tickets costing £20 for SA members and £25 for non-members.

TICKET INFO

BACK THE BORO VS AFC WIMBLEDON & DONCASTER ROVERS

TURNSTILES: 1.30pm East West North South (Away)

Adult OIA £18 £22 £22 £22

Adult MIP £20 £24 £24 £24

Conc OIA £15 £20 £20 £20

Conc MIP £17 £22 £22 £22

U18

U12

Key: OIA = ‘Online/In-Advance’. MIP = ‘Matchday/In-Person’.

To book a seat, visit www.sfcsa.co.uk/ home/travel

VACANCY: HEAD OF COMMERCIAL

Stevenage Football Club is seeking to recruit a new Head of Commercial at The Lamex Stadium.

To view the full Job Description, CLICK HERE .

To apply for the role, please submit your CV and Cover Letter to info@ stevenagefc.com . The deadline for applications is Thursday 20th April 2023.

proud to Be prIncIpal sponsors of steVenaGe fc

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

For career opportunities email info@lamexfoods.eu

Proud sponsors of youth football in Stevenage

Grounds Maintenance & Landscaping contractor

Serving Herts, Beds & Bucks

Services include

• Grass cutting

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FOCUS

MATTHEW CLARK FIRST GAME?

Saturday 10th March 2018 against Crewe Alexandra and the score was 2-2.

WHERE DO YOU WATCH MATCHES FROM?

I had a season ticket in the west stand, right down near the away fans but now I have a season ticket in the north stand in a central position high up behind the goal. We are in the firing line for any loose shots going over the crossbar!

BEST MEMORIES OF SUPPORTING BORO?

I have several memories that will stay with me. Firstly, the game against Macclesfield, in September 2019 I think, where Luther James-Wildin scored the 35 yard rocket goal into the top right corner. The crowd was momentarily silent, stunned by the spectacle and then the ground erupted. A great moment. This season’s 5-0 thrashing of Barrow on 2nd December 2022 was another moment to remember. Boro played some dream football that evening. I won’t forget the atmosphere at the 3-0 victory over Leyton Orient. I have never been to a Boro game with the ground full to capacity. And finally the Danny Rose ‘he’s behind you’ goal against Hartlepool on 12th November 2022. Never saw anything like it and not likely to ever again! It was a bizarre moment!

FAVOURITE ALL-TIME PLAYER AT BORO?

My all- time favourite player is Elliott List. I like the way he can rip teams apart with his sheer pace and I admire his quality of

finishing and passing. I saw him come through the ranks at Boro. When I first started coming to watch Boro, he was just a substitute and he has developed his game to become one of our key players.

FAVOURITE CURRENT PLAYER AT BORO?

My favourite two current players are Dan Sweeney and Danny Rose. Dan Sweeney is everything you need in a good centre back. He heads the ball well in both boxes, clearing dangerous balls at one end and scoring goals at the other. He is calm under pressure and plays good passes out of defence. Danny Rose is a nuisance for defenders. Also, for one of the shortest players in our team, he is certainly one of the best in the air. He will also create opportunities for us, when it appears nothing is on.

WHY DO I LOVE BORO?

My first experience with Boro was when my disabled football team folded and I was looking for another one. The much loved and sadly missed Ken Headington encouraged me to go to walking football at Shephalbury. As we know, he was of the mind that football should be inclusive for all and the Wednesday morning group made me feel extremely welcome and perfectly at home. Boro has recognised my needs, both physical and mental, and has made attending games accessible for me. I am very thankful and grateful that they are such an inclusive club. I would like to give particular thanks to Alex Potter who does all the magic in the background for us.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BORO SHIRT?

This season’s home shirt.

MATCHDAY MASCOTS

A warm Boro welcome this afternoon to our four mascots hoping to help us to three more points.

Our first big hello goes to Alfie Saunders. Alfie attends Peartree Spring School and lives in the town. His hobbies include football, gaming, Spurs and Boro and his favourite player is Luke Norris. Next up we say hi to Archie WestRobinson. Archie attends Almond Hill School and also lives in Stevenage. His hobbies include football, gaming, QPR and Boro and his favourite Boro player is Danny Rose.

It’s a big hello to our next mascot Ronnie Pestell. Ronnie attends Peartree

Spring School and his hobbies are football, gaming and Boro. His number one Boro player is Luke Norris. Last but by no means least we welcome Charlie Readings. Charlie is a pupil at Peartree Spring School and his hobbies are football and gaming while his favourite player is Jordan Roberts. The four are here today as it is part of a birthday present for Ronnie who celebrated his big day in February so happy birthday Ronnie for then! We trust all four mascots have a great time with us this afternoon and enjoy the three points they will bring to the Boro!!!

INTERACTIVE BORO QUIZ!

Common, you can do this! It’s our latest interactive quiz of the season and five things you may, or may not know, about our visitors.

Alfie Saunders

Archie West-Robinson Ronnie Pestell Charlie Readings

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

Stevenage hosted Wimbledon off the back of a 0-0 draw away to Morecambe, however despite that draw, Boro had been in fine form and won their previous three, scoring six goals in the process. Wimbledon had likewise been in impressive shape themselves as they defeated Portsmouth away on Boxing Day and then put Exeter to the sword in a 4-1 victory just two days later. The game came to life in the 32nd minute as Stevenage threatened the Wimbledon defence. Adam Marriot managed to spin and weave his way through three defenders, the striker eventually unleashed his shot which Callum Kennedy deflected towards the

on-running Tom Pett, who fired the ball into the roof of the net; giving Stevenage the lead

It was clear to see that these were two sides in fine scoring form of late as it only took three minutes for the visitors to reply as George Francomb found himself space on the right wing where he cut inside and curled the ball into the bottom left corner of the Stevenage net. Both sides continued to battle for a potential winning goal after the break, and Stevenage’s moment arrived just past the hour mark as Wimbledon’s Adebeji Oshilaja appeared to clash with Dean Wells after the Boro defender had already played the ball. The referee awarded Boro a penalty, leaving Simon Walton with the task of converting, which he did with a stroke in the bottom corner, which proved to be the winner.

ALFIE NICHOLSON

Stats courtesy of Boroguide

ON THIS DAY: 15 APRIL

Boro’ go in search of a much-needed win today in order to reignite hopes of automatic promotion; matters technically still in our hands with our game in hand. The good news is that we managed to get a huge three points on this day just one year ago today; Scott Cuthbert’s goal proving enough to overcome Rochdale and lift us out of the bottom two. But it’s not all positive news on this date in history. Go back 20 years from victory over the Dale last season to 15 April 2022 and you’ll come up something quite rare; us being on the wrong end of the scoreline against Leigh RMI. This was their first success against us in four attempts - and one of only two they managed against us in 11 meetings.

The prevailing trend, however, is one of happiness for Boro’ on 15 April; six games delivering four wins (and one draw). An honourable mention for a 2-0 home win over Ware in 1991 too. It was our 38th league game of a 42game season; Shaun Marshall’s brace of goals taking us onto a total of 112 and Boro’ hitting 100 points with four games to spare.

IT’S AFC WIMBLEDON AGAIN…

The Dons’ return to League Two this season ended a six-year spell in the third tier; a period in which our only meeting with them happened to

1982 Long Buckby 1-2 Stevenage Borough, United Counties League Premier Division (Herring, Huxtable)

1989 Stevenage Borough 3-1 Wolverton Town, Vauxhall Opel League Division Two North (Bambrick, Williams, S Taverner)

1991 Stevenage Borough 2-0 Ware, Vauxhall Football League Division Two North (Marshall 2)

1995 Stevenage Borough 0-0

Merthyr Tydfil, GM Vauxhall Conference

2002 Stevenage Borough 0-1 Leigh RMI , Nationwide Conference

2022 Stevenage 1-0 Rochdale, Sky Bet League Two (Cuthbert)

be a heavy defeat in the Checkatrade Trophy (as it was back then). Our firstever trip to a new Plough Lane ground just a few weeks ago takes our total to 11 encounters between us. Seven have gone in our favour.

In fact, the only two times we’ve tasted defeat against the Dons have come in the Football League Trophy. That heavy 4-0 defeat we mentioned a short moment ago is one. The other, meanwhile, came on penalties in 2011; a time when we were the League One side and they were League Two representatives. Can we protect our good league form here?

MAGIC MOMENT:

14 August 2012 – Capital One Cup R1

STEVENAGE FC 3

AFC WIMBLEDON 1

Boro’ have faced the Dons four times at home in the league. Two have ended 2-1 to us, while the other two were 0-0 draws. So, our magic moment as it were comes from the League Cup and the first time we ever managed to reach the second round. That was all the way back in August 2012 and owed much to a couple of glaring Dons errors. The first sent us into the lead, with Luke Freeman’s cross turned into his own net by Pim Balkestein. The second error was much worse. Mat Mitchell-King sent a tricky back pass to goalkeeper Seb Brown, which was met with a dreadful air kick. James Dunne nipped in and was grateful for the gift of Boro’s second goal. Luke Moore did reduce the arrears just before the interval, but Robbo put the game to bed in first half stoppage time.

By Pete Hayman courtesy of boroguide.co.uk

ON BOTH SIDES…

Just a couple of names that may appear on today’s teamsheet can claim to have represented both sides on show; Dan Sweeney and Jake Reeves having turned out for the Dons previously. In fact, the former started his career there. As the Dons rose from the ashes, it tended to be the case that players would first play for Boro’ – before moving down the pyramid to help the south London side in their ascent up the ladder. Dean Brennan, Jason Goodliffe, and Giuilano Grazioli are just some of the notable examples. In more recent times, Barry Fuller went on to represent the Dons for a considerable period in the Football League. We also had a little period in the early 2010s of sending players their way; Stacy Long and Byron Harrison doing their bit to establish the Dons in the Football League. Chris Whelpdale, meanwhile, is another recent one to go from us to them.

PLAYER SPONSORS FIRST TEAM 2022/23

3 Max Clark SPONSORED BY

4 Jake Reeves SPONSORED BY

9 Luke Norris SPONSORED BY

8 Jake Taylor SPONSORED BY

6 Dan Sweeney SPONSORED BY

14 Kane Smith SPONSORED BY

2 Luther James-Wildin SPONSORED BY KEN FOLLETT

5 Carl Piergianni SPONSORED BY DAVID GRAY

7 Elliott List SPONSORED BY

10 Dean Campbell SPONSORED BY JOHN MACKENZIE

11 Jordan Roberts SPONSORED BY DAMIAN ANDERSON

12 Taye Ashby-Hammond SPONSORED BY

15 Terence Vancooten SPONSORED BY BOB UKIAH

17 Alex Gilbey SPONSORED BY WESLEY LIM

16 Daryl Horgan SPONSORED BY WESLEY LIM

SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER... For sponsorship enquiries email clivea@stevenagefc.com

Keith Bell SPONSORED BY

Alex Revell SPONSORED BY Ian Pledger SPONSORED BY Matt Rogers SPONSORED BY

19 Jamie Reid SPONSORED BY

18 Michael Bostwick SPONSORED BY MICK GORHAM

32 Danny Rose SPONSORED BY FINLEY KETTEL

Paul Raynor SPONSORED BY

Steve Evans SPONSORED BY

20 Josh Reid SPONSORED BY

23 Jake Forster-Caskey SPONSORED BY LAST GOALSCORERS SOCIETY

28 Josh March SPONSORED BY

25 Adam Przybek SPONSORED BY

29 Thimothée Lo-Tutala SPONSORED BY

22 Jonathan Tomkinson SPONSORED BY Shortlands

Good afternoon, good luck to Steve Evans, his coaching staff, and the players for this afternoon’s game vs AFC Wimbledon.

The Stevenage FC EDP is entering its final few months this season as the boys look to finish well and possibly win two out of three divisions. The players have been excellent this season both on and off the pitch, demonstrating what it takes to represent Stevenage FC to the best of their abilities. We have recently held an open day for next year’s cohort and were really pleased with the application and

quality of the players that attended. Additionally, it was excellent to see over 30 players across all the three open days, proving to be a great success across the Easter Half Term. The programme is going from strength to strength with 9 players featuring within academy fixtures this season including an appearance in the Herts Senior Cup with the U18’s and our player Kai Pitts-Lewis signing for the scholars. Huge congratulations Kai on an amazing achievement and we look forward to seeing your progression.

Looking at league results, the boys are in really strong positions across all three teams; with the A side sitting 2nd with 5 games to go and six points off top with a game in hand, the B side are 2nd, whilst the C side are 8th with 3 games in hand over the teams above them and four points off them. These currents result lead to an exciting end of the season.

If you are 16-18 years old or have a son of similar age and are interested in our programme, please come and check us out in our May open days or alternatively contact myself on joshc@ stevenagefc.com

Enjoy the game!

JOSHUA COLDICOTT-STEVENS Stevenage FC EDP Assistant

WOMEN

STEVENAGE FCW 4

O’ Brien, Farmer, Neal (c), Brooks, Nebbitt, Bodily, Greenwood, Schofield, Millen, Makewell, Fidler

Subs: Price, Shephard, Lightning

Subs not used: Halliday, Ray

Goal: Makewell, Price x 2, Neal

Booked: Neal Turner, Glasspool, Pap, S Carroll, Cripps, Ajayi, Z Carroll, Bhatti, Coppin, Fensome, Gregory

BEDFORD LADIES 3

Subs: Robinson, Washington, Kruszyna, Kaczorowski

Goals: Bhatti, Fensome, Pap

Stevenage FCW maintained the four point gap at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division on Sunday with an entertaining victory over bottom of the table Bedford Ladies. A match-winning cameo from the precocious talent that is Erin Price secured the points as the bumper crowd at the County Ground were treated to a veritable feast of football. Having already witnessed an appetiser with a four goal victory for QPR Reserves against the Stevenage Development Squad, the fans in attendance were treated to a further seven goals and endto-end entertainment throughout the ninety minutes.

After the turmoil of the previous week, with Fadi Mazloum leaving the Boro’ dugout, Stevenage were buoyed by the return of top scorer Amy Makewell to the side and it took her just two minutes to get amongst the action as her early shot was well saved by Erica Turner. Bedford also began brightly and worked hard to pressure Stevenage. That pressure paid off as they took advantage of a rare loss of possession at the back and a delightful cross from the left hand side

was sliced wide by the fabulously named Ocean Gregory. Stevenage finally began to assert themselves more consistently although shots were mostly limited to the back three of Hannah Nebbitt, Vicky Neal and Nicole Farmer, although all these attempts narrowly missed the target. With 20 minutes gone, Nebbitt took control of set piece duty in a similar position to Grace Brooks’ wondergoal for the Development squad the week before. Just inside the Bedford Half, her free kick carried well and tested Turner to the maximum as she just palmed it onto the bar, with the resulting header going over. Emily Schofield was next to have a go, albeit unsuccessfully, before Neal got free in the Bedford box. She was hauled down as she battled for the ball and the referee pointed to the spot. Makewell stepped up to lift the ball beautifully high and to the right, sending Turner the wrong way for her thirteenth goal of the season. Schofield was the last player to really test Turner before half time. Her lofted shot was saved well, leaving both sides going in at the interval with all to play for. During the half, Becky Shephard replaced Makewell. This was a particularly poignant appearance as the games played were in memory of her father, Dave, who passed away in December 2019 from a brain tumour. Awareness was also being raised for the charity Brain Tumour Research. Bedford started the game with added vigour. For the opening fifteen minutes, they dominated the play and put the

Boroough defence under immense pressure. Neal was cautioned after hauling down one attacker before Bedford equalised. Aliya Bhatti raced down the left hand side before squeezing a powerful shot between Mian O’Brien and the goalpost.

It took four minutes for Bedford to turn the game on its head. This time the attack was down the right with Lauren Coppin whose cross was inch perfect for the oncoming captain, Tasha Fensome, to turn the ball past O’Brien.

Schofield and having picked her place; she sent an absolute rocket into the bottom corner from distance. “It was great to contribute to the three points today. Shooting from outside the box has been part of my development plan so it is nice to see it paying off!” she said after collecting her Player of the Match award. Both sides spurned chances in the last fifteen minutes, with the most dangerous coming in added time as the ball flashed threateningly across goal from the Bedford right. Stevenage held on to ensure the day ended favourably for the Hertfordshire side. Perry was pleased afterwards, “We showed great character to come back which I am most pleased about, the fight for each other was fantastic and they did everything we asked them to do.”

Interim manager Dave Perry began to ring the changes as he brought on Price for Holly Greenwood and within two minutes the young talent had levelled the game. Tilly Fidler gave the ball to Price on the edge of the box and with a little shift of the ball she unleashed a speculative effort that bamboozled Turner with the bounce before nestling in the net off the post. Destiny Pap was next to be speculative as she unleashed her effort from the halfway line after Hannah Bodily was adjudged to have committed a foul. O’Brien had taken a step forward and was also rendered helpless by the bounce which went too high for her and into the net. It was hard to take for Stevenage and Neal had two headers in quick succession that went wide from corners, but the lead only lasted a minute. Boro’ went straight down the other end, earned a corner, and who else but Vicky Neal headed home the Kelsey Millen corner from close range. Neal had two further headers that were wide of the mark before the goal of the game. Price was given the ball by

AFC Sudbury won their game against Colney Heath Ladies, meaning that two more wins from their last four will put them in an unassailable position from a Stevenage perspective. For today though, it was a game of football that Dave Shephard would have enjoyed from his celestial viewing spot. A fitting tribute to a man who loved the game.

CLICK HERE to donate to Brain Tumour Research.

All donations would be gratefully received. Together we will find a cure.

FIXTURES

STEVENAGE FC FOUNDATION

The Foundation are hosting a number on online virtual open evenings for our suite of higher education courses that are delivered right here at The Lamex Stadium.

Learners can pick from one of three courses, delivered in partnership with EFL Trust and University of South Wales, with lectures held at the home of Stevenage FC.

The three courses available are: Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching & DevelopmentWatch The Trailer: LINK Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching & Development - Watch The Trailer: LINK

BA (Hons) Degree in Sports Business & Management - Watch The Trailer: LINK

Both Foundation Degrees can also be topped up with a third year (dependant on results), to a full BSc Honours. Courses are designed for individuals wanting to attain a university qualification and are passionate about pursuing a career in the football industry

with students developing the necessary skills, qualities, and characteristics that are required to work within professional football club community departments or national governing bodies. Delivered in partnership with the University of South Wales, all lectures, seminars, and tutorials are delivered in a supportive and inspirational club environment via online material, and learners will be enrolled as a student at the university, giving them access the university’s online library, blackboard and learning materials, providing them with the best possible learning platform to excel within.

Alongside the academic element of the course, students will complete up to 200 hours of voluntary coaching within the community, alongside the Foundation staff, allowing the students to translate theory into practice, in a real-world environment.

You can book on to an open evening right now by click this LINK , or alternatively if you’d like to know more, you can reach out to our Education Mentor, Lucy Burdin at lucy.burdin@stevenagefcf.com

MASCOT & MATCHDAY PACKAGES

From leading the team out of the tunnel to a pre-match penalty shootout with your teammates, Stevenage FC Foundation provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences at the home of Stevenage Football Club.

MASCOT PACKAGES:

Become a VIP on matchday with our unforgettable Mascot Packages. Meet the First Team players ahead of kickoff and have your photo featured in our Matchday Programme, before walking out with your favourite Stevenage player in front of The Lamex Stadium crowd (& so much more!)

For children aged 4-15, Mascot Packages are priced at just £99 and include four match tickets for the chosen fixture. Please email our Football Development Officer melissa.edwards@stevenagefcf. com to register your interest in becoming a mascot.

MATCHDAY PACKAGES:

All local grassroots clubs and community organisations are invited to book themselves onto Stevenage Football Club’s Matchday Experience Packages for an upcoming home match this season.

The package offers all associated players, participants, coaches, and leaders the opportunity to watch a match at The Lamex Stadium for just £1 each!

In addition, clubs and organisations can also upgrade their Matchday Experience packages and gain additional experiences including Pre-Match Training Sessions, a Penalty Shoot Out and the chance to form the Matchday Guard of Honour.

To book, email mollyb@stevenagefc. com complete with the 2022/23 Matchday Package Application Form or call 01438 223223 for any home EFL League Two match this season.”

www.afcwimbledon.co.uk

FORM GUIDE

Ok, we’ve given up trying to guess what will happen today from the current form of our visitors. Obviously Boro’s form is more important, but there’s one thing for sure, it can’t get much worse for AFC Wimbledon who have earned just one success in a run of 15 games.

Indeed there have been nine defeats, five draws and just a 2-0 success over Walsall in a miserable run for much of 2023, which has seen any lingering play-off hopes well and truly dashed. Though saying that both today’s teams sit 19th and 20th in the form table with just four points from the last five games. Ahead 2-1 in the sixth minute of added time on Easter Monday, the Dons did look to be back to winning ways but goals on 90+6 and 90+8 saw visitors Salford snatch an unlikely three points.

LAST 5 SEASONS

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE SQUAD LIST

MEET THE BOSS:

Johnnie Jackson was appointed firstteam manager in May of last year. The former Charlton Athletic manager signed a two-year deal.

Jackson is assisted by his former Charlton coach, Terry Skiverton (pictured below), who also brings tremendous experience to the Club. He had a successful first season as manager at Charlton following four years in assistant/caretaker manager roles.

Jackson started his playing career at Spurs where he made 20 appearances before loan spells with Swindon, Colchester Coventry, Watford and Derby and signing for Colchester, Notts County and Charlton.

ONE TO WATCH:

Ali Al Hamadi arrived permanently from Wycombe Wanderers on a two-and-a-half year contract.

The versatile 20-year-old racked up 13 first-team appearances for the Chairboys and is regarded as a bright prospect for the future.

Ali was born in Maysan, Iraq before he moved to Toxteth in Liverpool following the breakout of the Iraq War. It was in England that his family settled and his football career began as he took in academy spells with both Tranmere Rovers and Swansea City. His form for the latter earned him a first professional contract before he was eventually snapped-up by Wycombe following a successful trial period in November 2020. He was then loaned out to Bromley during the 2021/22 campaign, for whom he notched three goals and two assists in nine games from a wide position. Ali has also been capped five times by the Iraq national team and was part of their squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

COMMERCIAL

MATCH BALL SPONSOR MATCH SPONSOR

Today’s match is kindly sponsored by Space Heating Limited. Based locally in Welwyn Garden City, but covering the whole of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and North London, Space Heating has been established for 15 years and are professional, fully trained, fully insured and qualified Plumbing and Heating Engineers.

As well as being water industry approved contractors, all of their engineers are also Gas Safe registered allowing them to work on both domestic and commercial installations. Next time you have a heating or plumbing problem, give Space Heating a call on 01438 980990 or visit www. spaceheatingltd.co.uk

GCIS have been providing IT, telecom and security services and support to local businesses for 21 years. Based in Stevenage since our beginning in 2001, we have skilled teams, highly trained and experienced in all of our core services. IT Support, telecoms, cabling, networks, CCTV systems and access control. We have completed over 5,000 projects for businesses and organisations, and maintain and support the IT, cloud, network, telecom and security systems for many local and national organisations, ranging from small businesses and charities, to large enterprise clients including several household names, as well of course as being the long standing technology partner of Stevenage FC. Enjoy the match!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The Boro are delighted to welcome Stevenage Academy player Elliot Donnellan who will be in one of our executive boxes today celebrating his 10th birthday. Elliot joined Stevenage Academy in January, following a number of years of training with his home team SK Sports Academy.

His primary position is defence and he is able to intercept passes, and quickly initiate the attack. Dennis Bergkamp said that, “Behind every kick of a ball, there has to be a thought,” and that’s just how Elliot plays his game, very quick on his feet.

He is passionate about both Stevenage and AFC Wimbledon and is inspired by players such as Huseyin Biler and Jake Taylor. Premier League players such as Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford also inspire him through through their resilience, determination and work in the community. Speaking to the digital programme team Elliot said: “Playing for Stevenage Academy has made me more of a skilful, stronger and fitter player”. Happy birthday Elliot! Here’s to many more years training with the Academy and having fun throughout.

SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION LATEST NEWS

WELCOME

A big “Boro” welcome to the fans and supporters of AFC Wimbledon this afternoon. I fondly recall the tale my father often recited when he managed Stevenage Athletic in the early 1970’s. Back in those days the club was run on a shoe-string and more often than not, the team travelled to away matches in a convoy of cars. Such was the case against Wimbledon. These were the days before the M25, satnavs and mobile phones. On this occasion, one of the cars (piloted by dad) was running late and got lost somewhere in deepest, darkest south London. Despite many instances of the car stopping to ask someone where Plough Lane was, it was evident that three players and the manager were going to miss the 3:00pm kick off. Then, Jim had a brain-wave. “Stop that taxi” he cried, and they all piled in, getting to the stadium just ten minutes before kick-off. Mission accomplished then – well not quite. After the game, no-one could quite remember where they had left the car!

In the Board Room that day was a senior commander of the Met Police. Hearing the plight of our stranded heroes, an APB was put out and happily the car was located within half an hour. Another legendary tale from days of yore.

INTER-CITY BORO

We’re down to our last three away games of the season now. The first of these is on Saturday April 22nd when we journey up to Mansfield. The bus departs Stevenage at 11:00am and costs just £20 to members. Then, the much vaunted “game in hand” against Swindon takes place on Tuesday April 25th. The bus for this match departs at 4:00pm and again costs members just £20. At the time of writing, the “end of season”

games this year are all vitally important to out club. We’ve yet to confirm arrangements for the away game to Barrow, but let’s really get behind the lads in the final push for promotion. Go to the SA’s website page to book your tickets now CLICK HERE

COMMITTEE MEETING

The SA held a committee meeting where a number of items were discussed. Prominent amongst them was the call to recruit more, younger members to the Committee. The SA needs fresh ideas to drive the organisation forward. If you think you can help – in any way, then please do contact me for a chat. Email me here: Lloyd@ SFCSA.co.uk

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

The SA hopes to launch this season’s “Player of the Year” award very soon. Only paid-up members of the SA are entitled and allowed to vote in this poll. Details likely in the next programme v. Doncaster (on Tuesday). Keep watching the SA’s website and social media for news and updates.

GEORGE FURR

Last month I was delighted to receive correspondence from Dan Furr. Dan is the great grandson of George Furr. The attached photo depicts George in 1908.

George was a prolific footballer in his day, representing such clubs as Watford and Manchester City. His career concluded at Stevenage. Long story short, George’s commercial prowess effectively “saved” Stevenage Town from oblivion in the 1930’s.

LLOYD BRISCOE Chair - Stevenage FC Supporters’ Association

George Furr

HERE’S A I BET YOU DIDN’T KN

FIXTURES & RESULTS 2022/23

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‘LOVE FOOTBALL. PROTECT THE GAME’

A message about anti-social and criminal behaviour

To mark the new season, we want to make you aware of new measures being taken across all of football to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience. We are supporting strong action from the FA, Premier League and EFL to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviours that put all of us at risk.

This reflects the seriousness of the risks to fans and staff – pyros can burn at 2000 degrees Celsius and cause lifechanging injuries, while entering the pitch endangers players, managers and match officials.

We know those who commit these illegal acts do not represent the majority of supporters.

#LoveFootball #ProtectTheGame

ANYONE WHO ENTERS THE PITCH WITHOUT PERMISSION AND THOSE CARRYING OR USING SMOKE BOMBS OR PYROS WILL NOW RECEIVE AN AUTOMATIC CLUB BAN.