Stevenage FC v Cambridge Utd FC

MATCH SPONSOR

Supporters were outstanding –we need more of the same

MANAGER STEVE EVANS

Firstly, I would like to welcome everyone from Cambridge United to tonight’s game at The Lamex Stadium. Saturday was a really tough game against an opponent who has just won the right to play in a Wembley final. They are full of good players, and we were not near our best but of course it was a very important three points.

Playing against ten men is always a difficult thing to overcome. Everton conceded against Brighton on Saturday in a similar scenario so to stay strong and see it through is credit to the lads.

Cambridge United are a decent team. They did not deserve to lose by the only goal of the game to Peterborough on Saturday. It will be another tough game, but we are looking

SPONSORED

forward to it. The supporters at The Lamex Stadium on Saturday were outstanding vocally, we will need more of the same. Neil Harris has gone but the operating manual is still at Cambridge. He has given them an identity and way to play, that is what I expect.

The Lamex Stadium is always a great place for football and atmosphere. Our supporters turn up and really back the lads. They have been with us since the first day I arrived. We are trying so hard to get into the playoff places and if we can deliver that, the lads will deserve recognition for a long, long time. We must never forget we started the season as favourites for relegation, so let us respect but enjoy this special journey!

2023/2024 STAT PACK

Stevenage have won each of their last four Football League games against Cambridge United, keeping a clean sheet in three of those matches.

GOAL TIMES

After winning each of their 3 away league games against Stevenage between Dec 2016 and Sep 2018, Cambridge United have not won on their last two visits to the Lamex Stadium (D1 L1).

AHEAD OF THE GAME

MATCHDAY TIMINGS

CLUB SHOP: Midday-7:45pm

TICKET OFFICE: 6pm-8:15pm

THE BROADHALL SUITE: Open to Home & Away supporters, 6pm-Kick-Off, CLOSED at FullTime. Bar Food Available

THE 76 LOUNGE: 6pm-Kick-Off (Home & Away Supporters), 8pm -80 minutes (North Stand Ticket Holders), CLOSED at Full-Time. Bar Snacks Available

TURNSTILES: 6:15pm

TICKET INFO

MATCH TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR STEVENAGE VS CAMBRIDGE UTD

All tickets must be purchased before reaching the turnstiles either online or from the North Stand Ticket Office.

TICKETS & TRAVEL: LINCOLN CITY (SAT 2

MARCH)

Tickets are available online at www.borotickets.co.uk from the Club Shop and from the visitor’s ticket window at Sincil Bank on the day (card only).

Adult: £24 Concession: £19 Under 18: £10 Book coach travel with the Stevenage FC Supporters Association here.

PETERBOROUGH UNITED (A) FIXTURE SELECTED FOR LIVE SKY SPORTS COVERAGE

The selection sees the fixture moved from Tuesday 12th March to Wednesday 13th March, kicking off at 8pM. Click here for match tickets.

@StevenageFC Oh,

@StevenageFC

stevenagefcofficial

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Match ACTION

Carl Piergianni’s first-half strike gives Stevenage all three points at The Lamex Stadium... SHOTS

SHOTS ON TARGET PASSES

2023 2023/24 /24

We welcome three mascots to Boro tonight for this massive clash against local rivals Cambridge United. Hoping to bring the best of luck to the lads is Blake Smith, 8, who lives in Hoddesdon and attends Blakelands School. His hobbies are playing football, cricket and Fortnite and his favourite Boro player is Carl Piergianni.

Next up we welcome Sam Barker, 10, who lives in Stevenage and attends Martinswood School. Sam enjoys playing, football, cricket, and Xbox

and also loves watching F1. His favourite Boro player is Jamie Reid. Last, but not least we give a big Boro welcome to Sebastian Holmes, 8, who lives in Buntingford and attends St Andrews School, Much Hadham. Football is his big hobby and Jamie Reid is his star Boro player.

We hope all three mascots have a great time with us tonight and that Boro earn another massive three points.

FA Cup fever is with us this week so can you get five out of five on the grand old competition?

Sebastian Holmes

Sam Barker

Blake Smith

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Despite losing only one of their last five, Northampton Town had only picked up one win, as the Cobblers were looking to end a frustrating pattern of drawn games. Stevenage’s form had been less predictable, with a win, a draw, and a loss in their last three games summing up their season. It was the nightmare start for Boro as Sam Hoskins drew in the Stevenage defence as he appeared to be shaping up to shoot from 25 yards, but The Cobbler’s attacker smartly slid in Joe Powell who was charging into the vacant space left by the host’s backline. Powell then slammed the ball low underneath Stevenage keeper Paul Farman to give the visitors the lead within 20 minutes.

Saturday 23rd February 2019

Sky Bet League Two

STEVENAGE 1

NORTHAMPTON 2

STARTING XI

1 Paul Farman

2 Luther-James Wildin

30 Luke Wilkinson

3 Johnny Hunt

24 Moses Makasi (71’)

4 Michael Timlin

8 Joel Byrom (90’)

23 Jordan Gibson (60’)

9 Alex Revell

12 Ilias Chair

SUBSTITUTES

27 Oliver Byrne

37 Joe Martin

25 Ron Henry

7 James Ball (90’)

16 Arthur Iontton

11 Emmanuel Sonupe (71’)

28 Kurtis Guthrie (60’)

Ilias Chair, whose late brace in Stevenage’s previous game had earned them a point, turned provider as Boro fought back in the second half. The Moroccan floated a freekick deep into the Northampton box and rose above the away defence to nod the ball into the far corner, levelling the game with twenty minutes left to play. Despite Boro netting two late goals in their last game to salvage a result, they were on the receiving end of a late decider in this fixture. The goal will likely have been put down to the poor handling of a long ball that was desperately punted forward by Northampton, Michael Timlin initially failed to clear the ball and Luke Wilkinson then seemingly panicked and struggled to successfully dispossess for substitute, Andrew Williams, to lift his shot over Paul Farman to net his first goal in eight games and send the away faithful into raptures.

ALFIE NICHOLSON

CLICK BELOW TO CHECK OUT THE PROGRAMME

Stats

BORO HISTORY

ON THIS DAY: 27 FEBRUARY

Our record on 27 February leaves plenty of room for improvement; our previous seven outings on this date yielding just two victories. Worse still is the fact that we’ve drawn a blank in each of our last three fixtures – even if one, our goalless draw at Newport County three years ago, did ensure it hasn’t been a total loss on this date in recent times.

It is 42 years since we first played on 27 February and it went swimmingly; Boro’ cruising to a three-goal victory over British Timken Duston. Martin Gittings scored in that game and was on the scoresheet again nine years later as Boro’ drew at home to Wokingham Town in the Diadora League Premier Division. Our most recent win on this date came now 29 years ago. Goals from Adam Parker and Phil Simpson earned us a 2-0 victory against Yeovil Town in the FA Trophy. Since then, we’ve played three and lost two – starting with our two-goal defeat at Hereford United in 2006. It was no

1982 Stevenage Borough 3-0 British Timken Duston, United Counties League Premier Division (Broom, Gittings, Metcalfe)

1988 Stevenage Borough 0-2 Marlow, Vauxhall Opel League Division One

1993 Stevenage Borough 1-1 Wokingham Town, Diadora League Premier Division (Gittings)

1995 Stevenage Borough 2-0 Yeovil Town, FA Trophy R2 (Parker, Simpson)

2006 Hereford United 2-0 Stevenage Borough, Nationwide Conference (Gregory s/o)

2016 Stevenage 0-2 Exeter City, Sky Bet League Two

2021 Newport County 0-0 Stevenage, Sky Bet League Two

doubt late revenge for our playoff battle the previous season.

If nothing else, things won’t be as bad as 1988 –no matter the result tonight. A 2-0 home defeat against Marlow was our SEVENTH straight league defeat. While we bounced back two days

later, it inflicted a huge amount of damage on our season. And it’s then perhaps no surprise to learn that, a few months later, we were relegated.

IT’S CAMBRIDGE UNITED AGAIN…

You do love to see it – our recent record against the Us is rather impressive; Boro’ currently enjoying a streak of five straight wins (and six unbeaten). This run dates back to a comprehensive and – let’s face it – unexpected – four-goal vic-tory at the Abbey in an otherwise pitiful 2019-20 campaign. It flipped the balance in our head-to-head record too. We now have 14 wins from 30 previous, with the Us on 11. At the Lamex, we’ve been victorious 10 times out of 15.

MAGIC MOMENT:

Blue Square Premier – Friday 01 January 2010

STEVENAGE FC 4 CAMBRIDGE UNITED 1

The Us crushed our hopes of promotion in the 2008-9 playoffs – but revenge was a dish served very snowy and very cold the following season. After a 3-1 win at the Abbey on Boxing Day, the return match at the Lamex on New Year’s Day was one of a very few to survive the inclement weather. Our visitors may perhaps have wished for the chance to come back another day such was the ease at which we romped to victory. Yemi Odubade got things up and running midway through the first half. But we didn’t have it all our own way. Danny Crow actually got the Us back on terms with the half time interval coming into sight. Our guests didn’t manage to get there on terms, however; Lee Boylan re-establishing our advantage and then adding another just after the hour mark. Chris Beardsley got himself on the scoresheet before Boylan completed his brace to firmly establish our superiority.

To make things worse for Cambridge, Brian Saah was sent off late on for a second bookable offence. Boro’, meanwhile, hit the top of the table; Oxford United’s game being postponed. We started 2010 very much as we meant to go on…

BORO’ AT THIS STAGE…

Gameweek 34

It’s hard to believe this season’s finishing post is not far off coming into view – but that’s where

ON BOTH SIDES…

To play today?: Looking at this evening’s match squads, there are two names in the opposition ranks to have featured for us at some point – namely Paul Digby and Fejiri Okenabirhie. On the other side, you have to look in our dugout for the only person to cross the divide in this direction; Alex Revell starting his career at the Abbey back in 1997.

Best of the Rest: Of course, we aren’t short of players who have turned out for both ourselves and the Us in time gone by. Lee Boylan, Mark Albrighton, and David Bridges all won league winners medals with us; the first two arriving at the Lamex from the Abbey. Other names on the list include Sam McMahon, Mark Roberts, Lionel Perez, and Graham Cox.

we’re at now that 33 league games have been ticked off. In some past seasons, this point came even closer to the end of the campaign. In fact, our 1980-1 United Counties League Division One season was already done and dusted at this point (32 fixtures) – while Gameweek 34 was the last in our 1982-3 United Counties League Premier Division schedule.

That 1980-1 season saw us finish with a grand total of 23 wins, seven draws and two defeats – plus the 106 goals for. Just one campaign can beat that record for win count – and that is a dominant 1990-1 Vauxhall Football League Division Two North season in which we had 27 wins to our name at this stage.

Boro’ can take solace no matter what happens on Saturday against Wycombe that we’ll still be tracking ahead of our 2011-2 League One playoffmaking campaign; Gary Smith’s side sitting on 51 points from 33. But that’s no reason to get complacent. And it’s always worth reminding ourselves of the progress we’ve made in the last four years – Boro’ adrift with just three wins from 33 League Two fixtures in the soon-to-becurtailed 2019-20 season.

By Pete Hayman courtesy of boroguide.co.uk

PLAYER SPONSORS FIRST TEAM 2023/24

1 Taye Ashby-Hammond SPONSORED BY BARBARA FOLLETT

2 Luther James-Wildin SPONSORED BY KEN FOLLETT

3 Dan Butler SPONSORED

4 Nathan Thompson SPONSORED

5 Carl Piergianni SPONSORED

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6 Dan Sweeney

9 Elliott List SPONSORED

12 Craig MacGillivray SPONSORED BY JOHN MACKENZIE

14 Kane Smith SPONSORED BY

10 Nick Freeman SPONSORED

8 Jake Forster-Caskey SPONSORED

11 Jordan Roberts SPONSORED BY ALFIE MILES

7 Alex McDonald SPONSORED BY

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16 Harry Anderson SPONSORED BY MIKE HARNIMAN & LAURA TYLER

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STEVENAGE FC ACADEMY

Welcome back to the Lamex for this evening fixture and as always good luck to the Gaffer and troops in this encounter v Cambridge United FC.

I would like to start by congratulating Ronnie Henry and the U18’s on successfully getting into Merit League 1. We were due to host Leyton Orient on Saturday in our final league season, however, the weather got the better of us and we will now host them on Wednesday 12:00 at Shephalbury Sports Academy.

Nick Mountford was also ever present with the U18 before his departure last week and deserve lots of credit, a determined, methodical, and ever reliable during his time with us. He joined in January 2023 full time and worked tirelessly with Ronnie to ensure we drove standards and there no doubt the pair produced some enjoyable moments! He has departed to join Tottenham Hotspurs in the youth development phase. I would like to thank Nick for his 5-year service and wish him ever success.

We are still in the process of recruiting a full time Head of Coaching. It’s vital we bring the right person in, and the delay is because we just haven’t found that person yet. We are also expanding our recruitment team with the introduction of a full time Head of Recruitment

who will be tasked with finding the best local talent to take us forward.

On the loan front, I have been delighted with the way Louis Henry has performed at Potters Bar Town FC. A first year who is playing regular football at Step 3 is always an encouraging sign. He has now been extended until the end of the season. Kymani Skyers continues to impress at Biggleswade FC, Noah Mosanya at Arlesey Town and Theo Alexandrou has also extended his loan with St Ives Town FC until the end of the season. Half term school holiday saw Louis Hrebeniak and Chris Barell provide more games for our pathway players all aiming to be the best they can be and hopefully progress through the club ranks. Josh C-Stevens, Ashley Taylor and Nosh Newman had a busy week as they recruit for our Education Development Programme 2024 intake.

Finally, please keep an our on our social media, Hugo Logan has been working wonders to improve our presence.

Instagram - @stevenagefcacademy

X - @Stevenageyouth

JORDEN GIBSON Academy

Manager

STEVENAGE FC WOMEN

6

STEVENAGE FCW

O’Brien, Nebbitt, Brooks, Edge, Schofield, Gunn, Bodily, Makewell, Dempsey, ThomasO’Keefe, Millen

Subs: Day, Clarke, Gooderham, Baker-Re, Hendy

Goals: Makewell x 2, Thomas O’Keefe x 2, Edge, Gooderham Quinn, Strange, Bilson, Cooper, Darby, Drewitt, Isherwood, Locke, Farmer, Harris, Powell

BOWERS & PITSEA 2

Subs: Bardsley, Elmes, Fisher

Goals: Harris, Bilson

Booked: Darby, Isherwood

Stevenage FCW won by a scoreline of six goals to two at The County Ground for the second successive game as they defeated Bowers & Pitsea to enter the top half of the table for the first time in 2024. Braces from Amy Makewell and Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe were accompanied by singles from Rebecca Edge and Amy Gooderham to ensure Boro’ maintained an unbeaten start to the calendar year.

It was a fast start from Stevenage, who bossed the opening forty-five minutes. It took just three for the first goal of the game. Mark Howard called for the free kick after a innocuous trip on Hannah Bodily by Libby Cooper. Makewell stepped up to take the set piece as Katie Quinn took a step forward and the ball looped over her head and into the net.

Boro’ maintained their superiority and their advantage thanks to a neat bit of defending by Grace Brooks as the ball appeared to come off her heel as she covered her angles with O’Brien closing down Millie Isherwood. However, after just eighteen minutes, Boro’ had doubled the lead. A corner from Kelsey Millen was met by Edge, who had judged the flight of

the ball to perfection, nodding the ball down to the ground and over the line.

It was Isherwood who came the closest to scoring for Bowers in the first half and she did so with an outstanding run into space down the right. Her shot across goal, from level with the six-yard box and on the edge of the eighteenyard box, flashed beyond the far post with nobody able to add the finishing touch.

It was a warning sign, but the game entered a period of few gilt-edged chances until just before the fortieth minute. Makewell was integral to the build-up, but it was superb attacking play from Stevenage. Bodily set up Thomas-O’Keefe with a neat little through ball, but the young striker shot straight at Quinn who could only parry the ball to the feet of Natalie Strange and Ruby Fisher who combined to clear the ball back to Thomas-O’Keefe. She made no mistake at the second attempt as she rolled the ball into the net.

It was a fast start from Stevenage, who bossed the opening forty-five minutes

Time added on rolled around and both teams looked set to go in with a three-goal differential. Thomas-O’Keefe had other ideas. A superb cross from Lilia Dempsey saw Thomas-O’Keefe steal in front of Olivia Bilson to poke the ball home from close range. Boro’ were four clear and it was hard to begrudge the team their lead. Half time saw the welcome return of Anna BakerRe to the Boro’ team as she replaced Chloe Gunn but for as well as Stevenage had played the first half, concentration slipped just sixty seconds into the second. Bodily was penalised for a trip in the centre circle. Bilson sent in the free kick which Olivia Harris was allowed to

greet unmarked as she helped it over O’Brien, who did get gloves to it, and into the net. Stevenage were stung, but the four goal advantage was restored within two minutes. Isabella Darby caught the heel of Dempsey and Mark Howard pointed to the spot. Makewell stepped up to fire a powerful shot to Quinn’s right that will have scorched her fingertips as she guessed the correct way, but was powerless to stop the inevitable outcome.

There was a slight lull in the proceedings as we saw Darby booked and a host of substitutions, but the crowd were cheering again just past the hour mark. Quinn deflected Sophie Hendy’s effort as she raced out to meet her and the ball rippled the net. The crowd went wild before realising they had been duped by the angles as the ball had gone over and landed behind for a corner.

Bilson may be deemed fortunate to not have been penalised for a handball as Bodily claimed. The ball did strike the arm as she turned, but Howard had a good view and waved away the protest. Within two minutes Bilson had reduced the arrears to three again. A Nicole Farmer free kick was headed down for Bilson to volley home from twelve yards out.

There was never any danger that Boro’ would give away their lead however, and the gloss was restored in the last minute of the ninety. Excellent work by Kristal Clarke in the middle of the pitch, showcasing some superb ball control, saw a neat ball to Gooderham who initially tried to feed Niamh Day. Farmer was able to quash that attack, but only succeeded in laying the ball back to Gooderham, who had cleverly continued

There was never any danger that Boro' would give away their lead

her run into the box, and the forward stroked the ball through Quinn’s legs. It was a deserved victory for Boro’ and one that put them into sixth place and away from the shenanigans at the bottom of the table. With just six points separating second to sixth, not discounting Luton’s mountain of games in hand, there may still be an opportunity for a good league placement for the girls in red and white.

You can see Stevenage FCW First Team in action at Bloomfields against Needham Market on Sunday 25th February. This will be an away fixture in the ERWFL – keep your eyes on the social media platforms for more details@stevenagefcw

The Under 23s will be in League action as they host Thetford Town at The Herts County Ground on the same date.

CLICK HERE to visit our YouTube channel for more Stevenage FCW interviews, challenges and content – don’t forget to like and subscribe!

Gala Dinner

A luxury evening under the concorde at Duxford

When: Saturday 2nd March, 6pm - Midnight

Where: Imperial War Museum Duxford

Tickets: £130 per person

To book go to:

ghhospicecare.org.uk/gala-dinner

TODDS GREEN, SG1 2JE, HERTFORDSHIRE

3 DAYS

6 STAGES 80+ ACTS

FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

THE KILLERZ

rick parfitt Jnr & THE Rpj band RULE THE WORLD TAKE THAT TRIBUTE

FORE FIGHTERS U2 UK sTEREOTONICS

arctic monkeyz furnace & the fundamentals

Definitely could be oasis 7 WONDERS OF FLEETWOOD MAC

XODUS - BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE BLURD KAZABIAN

DS: UK IN TRIBUTE TO DIRE STRAITS PET SHOP BOYS TRIBUTE

SHANIA TWAIN STORY STRICTLY UB40

PIANO FACTOR MAX RYAN DIRTY HALF HUNDRED SCAM69

THE NASHVILLE NIGHTS BAND KICKING BACK Snubcat

EMERGENCY BREAK BAND New Town Centres

THE EGG AND BACON BAND SANDY UKELELE GROUP PLUS LOADS MORE

FRIDAY SATURDAY

afterparty in the woods

DAVE PEARCE CAR WASH plus special guests

free shuttle service to train station free parking vintage funfair

DANCE DEN IN THE WOODS KIDS AREnA HOSTED BY AIDAN o’neill

WORLD STREET FOOD CAMPING & GLAMPING VIP AREA

tickets available at

STEVENAGE FC FOUNDATION

BORO BEAR’S BOOK CLUB COMPETITION IS BACK!

In support of National Storytelling Week, we want to inspire children up to 12 years old to get creative and write a short story about the adventures of Boro Bear. This year, Boro Bear has found a time machine that can take him to ANY POINT IN TIME. He can visit the past or the future! – Which will he choose? He has unlimited money and resources, so his opportunities are endless! What moment in time does he travel to? What will he do? Who does he meet? You decide!

There are lots of exciting prizes up for grabs including:

• Winners (At least one from each of EYFS, KS1 and KS2) will have their story printed in the official Stevenage FC Match Day Programme and will be invited to the same SFC home game to be interviewed on the pitch and receive their prizes!

• We will also choose a few other stories to post on our website and social media channels. These special mentions could also receive special prizes such as SFC match day tickets, goody bags, and certificates!

Entries must be submitted by THURSDAY 29TH FEBRUARY 2024!

To enter, please visit our website using this link – CLICK HERE - or scan the QR code!

Stevenage FC Foundation has named Daryl Smith as the Premier League Community Captain, as part of the Premier League’s More than a Game campaign.

DARYL’S STORY

Daryl grew up in Stevenage, attending Collenswood School in the late 90s, before qualifying as a bricklayer. He would go on to work for Ridgemont Training in the town, supporting young people with gaining key life skills through ASDAN qualifications. He joined the Foundation as its third ever employee, back in June 2009, becoming a community coach and working his way through the organisation to the role he holds now.

Daryl has seen the Club go from National League Champions to League One playoff contenders and everything in between. He has been integral to the growth of the Foundation during that time, initially leading the inclusive football teams at the Club, as well as wider community football, and the matchday experience at The Lamex stadium for young fans.

In more recent times, he has led the rollout of the Premier League Primary Stars programme and wider education work in Stevenage and surrounding areas. He has mentored countless young people as apprentices at the Charity, many of whom still work in the team or have

gone on to achieve great success elsewhere. Most recently he has spearheaded the work with alternative provision, linking back to his previous role, supporting young people to access the best opportunities they can.

Stevenage FC Foundation Chief Executive Officer Joe Goude said: “I first met Daryl back in 2010 when he was looking after the Stevenage PAN-Disability team, whilst I was working at Hertfordshire FA. He was a key part of the early launch of what has become the Hertfordshire Inclusive Football League, and fast forward years later, we’ve ended up as colleagues and the importance of the role he plays in the Foundation team cannot be described. In the last 14 years, Daryl has supported and worked with thousands of people from across our community, of all ages and background, championing Stevenage FC and using the badge to make peoples life better.”

“In short, there would be no Stevenage FC Foundation without Daryl Smith.”

Daryl will be presented with a framed shirt, a Community Captain armband, and a pennant by Stevenage FC men’s captain, Carl Piergianni ahead of the game this evening, with his family in attendance.

The Foundation would like to thank Daryl for his unbelievable work since 2009 and his commitment to both the Football Club and the Stevenage community.

www.cambridgeunited.com

Meet the boss

Assistant Head Coach Barry Corr, supported by Kevin Betsy, took charge of the Ambers ahead of Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat against Peterborough United and will be in charge again tonight.

The former United striker joined the Club’s coaching staff in July 2019 as Academy

Barry Corr

Development Coach before combining this role in January 2020 to become St Neots Town Manager, as part of the prior collaboration between the two Clubs.

After success with St Neots, Corr worked with the U’s First Team for the second half of the Club’s promotion-winning season from League Two. His position as First Team coach was officially confirmed at the beginning of the 2021/22 season.

He now made the step up to Assistant Head Coach alongside Kevin Betsy in July 2023, to support the then Head Coach Mark Bonner for the upcoming season.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Last FIVE

SEASONS

22/23 League 1 20th

21/22 League 1 14th

ONES TO watch

Flying winger James Brophy signed a threeyear contract with Cambridge United in the summer of 2021.

The left-winger arrived at the Abbey Stadium after spending four seasons at Leyton Orient, where the fan-favourite made over 150 appearances and lifted the 2018/19 National League title. James turned down an offer to extend his stay in London two years later, opting for a return to third tier football for the first time since 2017.

20/21 League 2 2nd (P)

19/20 League 2 16th

18/19 League 2 21st

Since joining the club from Stevenage in July 2020, Paul Digby has been integral in the rise of Cambridge United.

Dictating the middle of the park with authority, the Barnsley Academy product is a real presence and a motivator within the group. His debut season at the Abbey was an imposing one, capitalising on his experience in the division thanks to spells with Mansfield Town and Forest Green Rovers beforehand, by seeing promotion through.

Ready-made, he captained the team for the majority of their first season back in Sky Bet League One and already has a century of appearances in black and amber to his name.

James Brophy

Paul Digby

FC

COMMERCIAL

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Place your business on our brand-new LED screen at The Lamex Stadium

The prominent pitch-facing location ensures that it is visible to all home and away fans and those watching the game via domestic/ international streaming and TV.

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They can take their place from:

1st September (Autumn Term)

1st January (Spring Term)

1st April (Summer Term)

WELCOME

LATEST NEWS

A big, warm wintry welcome to our near neighbours from Cambridge this evening. We especially welcome their fans and supporters, and to Chris Neil who is chair of the Cambridge United FC Supporters Panel (CUSP for short). Chris is ably supported by Dave Burkett (vice chair) and Phil Saich (secretary) – plus a committee comprising another eight (8) members. Welcome all, and hope you have a safe journey home after the game.

INTER-CITY BORO

What do you get when you blend ‘blue woad’ with ‘yellow weld’? You get “Lincoln Green”, which (apparently) is what Robin Hood used to wear back in the day.

On Saturday March 2nd, we’re on the road againto Lincoln.

The cost is £25 for members and £30 for non-members with a 10:00am departure from Stevenage.

Advance warning for Tuesday March 12th, when Stevenage are away to Peterborough. Buses to “The Posh” for this game depart The Lamex at 5:00pm and cost for a member is £20 whilst nonmembers pay £25.

Go to the SA’s website on the Travel page for details of how to book.

CELEBRITY FANS

I was recently browsing a website which featured clubs that include “celebrity” fans among their supporters. Given this evening’s opponents are Cambridge, I browsed amongst the names of those who are known to follow Cambridge United. Evidently, Jamie Oliver (celebrity chef) is amongst their number. Joining Jamie on the list is also Max Rushden (presenter of Soccer AM from 2008 to 2015 and now a journalist), Mark Saggers (TV and Radio presenter) and Joe Savins (former lead guitarist for Mallory Knox).

Who would you cite as a famous “Boro” fan? Well, I know that Ken Follett is (world class author) and I distinctly remember an article in The Sun newspaper many years ago that lauded the notion that Timmy Mallet (tv presenter) was also

a Stevenage fan because he was photographed within the Broadhall Way crowd. Eventually, I later established that he was actually a fan of Southport – our opposition on that day!

Do you know of any notable Stevenage fans? Let me know here at Lloyd@sfcsa.co.uk

FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION (FSA)

Last week, Barnsley signalled their intention to introduce rail seats at their famous old Oakwell ground.

Barnsley’s application for safe standing shows that choice is possible in even the oldest of grounds –Oakwell, built in 1888, proves that fitting rail seats retroactively isn’t just an option for modern grounds or new builds.

Clubs with similar older grounds, like Luton Town, have also been able to make the switch. The Hatters announced plans to introduce rail seats at Kenilworth Road in January and are aiming to have the standing option available in both home and away ends later this month.

They join the likes of Brentford, QPR, Wolves, Cardiff City, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur who have adopted rail seating in home and away ends.

100 YEARS AGO TODAY

Well, Feb 23rd 1924 actually. Hatfield 0-4 Stevenage Town, in the Herts County League

LLOYD BRISCOE

Stevenage FC Supporters’ Association

APPEARANCES

Tue

DECEMBER

Tue

LEAGUE TABLE

HERE’S A I BET YOU DIDN’T KN

FANCY WINNING WEEKLY MATCH TICKETS?

STEVENAGE FC

TAYE

OFFICIALS

REFEREE: Alex Chilowicz

ASSISTANT: Daniel D’Urso

ASSISTANT: Declan O’Shea

FOURTH OFFICIAL: Ravel Cheosiaua

CAMBRIDGE UTD FC

MANAGER: BARRY CORR

1 JACK STEVENS

2 LIAM BENNETT

3 DANNY ANDREW

4 PAUL DIGBY

5 MICHAEL MORRISON

6 RYAN BENNETT

7 JAMES BROPHY

8 GEORGE THOMAS

9 FEJIRI OKENABIRHIE

10 JACK LANKESTER

11 HARRISON DUNK

12 JASPER BRIGGS

13 JAMES HOLDEN

14 SULLAY KAIKAI

15 JUBRIL OKEDINA

16 ZENO ROSSI

17 SAIKOU JANNEH

18 LYLE TAYLOR

19 ADAM MAY

21 ELIAS KACHUNGA

22 LEWIS SIMPER

23 GASSAN AHADME

24 JORDAN COUSINS

25 WILLIAM MANNION

26 JAMES GIBBONS

27 MACAULEY BONNE

28 MAMADOU JOBE

30