Stevenage FC v Northampton Town FC

THE MANAGER STEVE EVANS

“It’s a great game to be involved in, it’s got something that has everyone excited”

PHIL WALLACE

Good afternoon and welcome to the players and officials of Northampton Town. Our performances and results so far this season have excited us all and, like most of our fans, I can’t wait for the next game. That we come into this as league leaders against local rivals Northampton Town two places below us in 3rd place, makes it all the more exciting. What’s really exciting is that we are seeing the return of our floating fans. Folks that haven’t been to our games for months or even years, are starting to return and that just adds to the excitement of it all. It will take a while, but if we keep serving up great entertainment and value for money – and 13 consecutive home wins is absolutely that – we’ll soon get used to regular crowds in the 4,000s and kick on from there. The magic figure for us, based on the budget we have in place right now, is 5,000+ gates. At that level we are completely self-funding and, when you compare that gate to our peers, it’s absolutely achievable.

So, if you’re watching the game, spread the word to your friends and family. The bigger the crowd, the more noise and we know that The Lamex can be rocking with numbers like that.

Looking at the playing squad, I believe the only injury going into the game is Elliott List and we hope to see him playing again next year. In order to give him the best possible chance of being available before the end of the season, we have arranged for him to have 9 x 1-hour treatments on a specialist machine that uses magnetic resonance therapy to aid recovery. It’s new and unproven but if it gets Elliott back playing a few weeks earlier then it’s worthwhile.

Another point worthy of mention in the playing squad is the signing of Academy striker Harrison Smith on a three-year deal. Harrison has been training with the First Team for several weeks and

has shown glimpses of the mental and physical strength required to earn a place in Steve Evans’ squad. We turned down two offers from Premier League clubs for Harrison a couple of years ago, before he suffered an ACL injury that put him out for almost a year. It’s testament to his determination that he’s fought back and earned the respect of the senior pros when he’s joined them. He’s still got a way to go to persuade Steve to give him his debut, but looking at the confidence in his play, it wouldn’t surprise any of us if that happens.

It’s also worth mentioning that Stevenage FC is now a completely different animal to seasons past. This squad has been put together to win. It’s full of experience and character and it’s that much more difficult for an Academy player to earn a shirt. That’s not a bad thing – it just means that only those lads that are fully developed will come through the system to play in the EFL. On the other hand, those lads with obvious Premier League potential, tend to move on to the Premier League early and we’ve done that with Ben Wilmot (Watford), Billy Heaps (Spurs), Leke Drake (Man City) and Elyh Harrison (Man United). That’s four players sold in the past four years for significant fees that have allowed us to reinvest in infrastructure and the playing squad. So, we’re in good shape across the Club, but there’s nothing like being top of the league – we’ve waited a long time so let’s enjoy it and cheer the lads on to stay there.

Enjoy the game.

MATCHDAY TIMINGS

CLUB SHOP: Midday – Kick-Off + 15 minutes after TICKET OFFICE: Midday – 3.15pm The Broadhall Suite: Midday – Kick-Off (Home & Away)

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

TURNSTILES: 1.45pm

THE GAME

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 Ticket Office at the Eco-Power Stadium on the day of the game.

DONCASTER ROVERS

Adults £20 60+ £16 18-24 £16 17 & under (with adult ticket) £1 U14 (with paying adult) FREE

The Stevenage FC Supporters Association coach will be departing The Lamex Stadium at 4:30pm on the day of the game, so please ensure to arrive with time to spare in order to confirm a scheduled departure. Tickets cost £25 for SA members and £30 for non-members. To book a seat, CLICK HERE and book online.

TICKETS & TRAVEL: COLCHESTER UNITED

Boro travel to Colchester United on Saturday 29th October 2022. Tickets must be purchased online HERE at the following prices:

TICKET INFO

NORTHAMPTON TOWN

Tickets for Northampton Town range from £18 for Adults, £10 Under 18s and £5 Under 12s at www.borotickets.co.uk , from the Club Shop and the Ticket Office ahead of kick-off. All tickets purchased Online/In-Advance of matchday are cheaper, and supporters can now scan their way in using the ticket QR code on their phone.

TICKETS & TRAVEL:

DONCASTER ROVERS

Match tickets are on sale for Boro’s trip to Doncaster on Tuesday 25th October 2022.

The Stevenage FC Supporters Association coach will be departing The Lamex Stadium at midday on the day of the game, so please ensure to arrive with time to spare in order to confirm a scheduled departure. Tickets cost £20 for SA members and £25 for non-members. To book a seat, CLICK HERE and book online.

Over

FROM

Coming off the back of a disappointing home defeat to Grays Boro’ were looking to start December in the best way possible.

And it was Stevenage who started fastest out of the two sides, fans had barely found their seats as Boro’s George Boyd gave the home side the lead within five minutes. The first half ended with the lead being in favour of Stevenage, but that control was snatched away from them midway through the second half as Northampton levelled in the 67th minute. Despite Northampton dominating the ball

Boro’ were doing a good job of preventing the Cobblers from taking the lead, that was up until the 82nd minute when the referee awarded Northampton a penalty, a chance which the visitors took as forward Scott McGleish converted from the spot. Stevenage were determined to not let their cup chances slip away though as they instantly replied as super sub, Anthony Elding, struck home meaning that Northampton and Stevenage would face each other again in a replay, and Boro’ could continue to dream in the FA Cup.

ALFIE NICHOLSON

CLICK BELOW TO CHECK OUT THE PROGRAMME

Stats courtesy of Boroguide

INTERVIEW

Stuart Archer is a North Stand season ticket holder, and a supporter since the early 80’s.

FIRST GAME? YEAR, SEASON?

I first saw Stevenage back in the 1980’s in the United Counties League but started going regularly after promotion to the Conference in 1994. I used to drive the mini bus to away games during our rise up the Conference. I can remember when you could walk from one end of the ground to the other at half time.

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

North stand block as disabled.

BEST MEMORY/MEMORIES OF SUPPORTING BORO?

The FA Cup visit of Newcastle United in 1998, great day. There was outrage at the time because Newcastle tried to get the game moved to St James Park. I still say the Newcastle winner in the replay never crossed the line! Of course our two FA Trophy wins will stay long in the memory.

FAVOURITE ALL-TIME PLAYER (AND WHY)?

Mark Smith. Brilliant defender amazing that he never played in the football league. With over 450 games for the club he always

gave his all. Honourable mentions to Barry Hales, Steve Morrison, Mark Roberts and Martin Gittings.

FAVOURITE CURRENT PLAYER (AND WHY)?

Carl Piergianni. Has had steadying influence on Boro’s defence, great captain and organiser and along with Dan Sweeny have made us so much harder to beat. Jordon Roberts has added so much more to our attack as well. All the new players have added to the team and created a strong squad mentality.

WHY DO YOU LOVE BORO?

It has been amazing to be able to see your home town club come from United Counties League up into the football League. Fantastic journey. I played as a goalkeeper for Stevenage Athletics’ youth team back in the mid 1970’s with a young Martín Gittins!

FAVOURITE BORO SHIRT? 1998 shirt used during our FA Cup run. Always brings back happy memories.

Thanks for your longstanding support, Stuart. It is always appreciated.

CARL RUTHERFORD Supporter Liaison Officer Stevenage FC

We were very saddened to hear of the passing of Howard Ryder, on 15th October.

Howard moved to Stevenage in 2003 from North London after his retirement working for the Queen’s jewellers Garrards. An avid Stevenage FC supporter, he attended with his friends through the local Compassionate Neighbours scheme and loved a hot dog and tea while cheering from the disabled viewing area. He wore his football shirt with pride and was still asking what the score was on match days while in hospital in his final weeks. He was a truly devoted supporter who will be truly missed by everyone at the club. Our deepest sympathy to all of Howard’s family.

V

ON THIS DAY: 22 OCTOBER

Our 2013-4 League One campaign didn’t leave us with too many highlights to reflect on. One of our stand-out results (certainly on the road) that season, however, came on this date.

Boro’ travelled north for a midweek fixture at Crewe Alexandra and returned with an emphatic three points; Filipe Morais (twice) and Luke Freeman on target that night.

It’s one of six wins we’ve recorded on 22 October over the years. Two of our other victories came in cup competitions and were notable enough for their own reasons.

The first was a 2-1 win over Swansea City on 22 October 2022. It certainly counts as an upset – even if the Swans were struggling at the wrong end of Division Three (League Two). We weren’t exactly enjoying good times in the Conference back then. In fact, this was one of Wayne Turner’s rare highlights as Boro’ boss before he was axed two months later.

Fast forward three years to 2005 and Boro’ were in Devon for an FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round tie. Exeter City tends to be an unhappy hunting ground for us. But a 1-0 win secured our passage through to the First Round Proper - a good result in anyone’s book. It was made all the more special thanks to the lesser-spotted Barry Laker goal. Meanwhile, we’ve only lost twice on 22 October in history. Worryingly, they have been our last two on this date…

HISTORY

1983 Stevenage Borough 1-0 Irthlingborough Diamonds , United Counties League Premier Division (Butcher)

1988 Stevenage Borough 1-1 Tilbury, Vauxhall Opel League Division Two North (Timpson)

1990 Stevenage Borough 3-0 Stansted , Knights Floodlit League (McComb 2, Brown)

1991 Whyteleafe 0-1 Stevenage Borough, Diadora League One (M Gittings)

2002 Stevenage Borough 2-1 Swansea City, LDV Trophy R1 (Jackson, Pacquette)

2005 Exeter City 0-1 Stevenage Borough, FA Cup R4Q (Laker)

2011 Stevenage 0-0 Yeovil Town , npower League One

2013 Crewe Alexandra 0-3 Stevenage, Sky Bet League One (Morais 2, Freeman)

2015 Stevenage 1-2 Carlisle United , Sky Bet League Two (Godden)

2019 Swindon Town 1-0 Stevenage, Sky Bet League Two

IT’S NORTHAMPTON TOWN AGAIN…

Uh-oh. We are in definite “bogey team” territory with today’s guests. The Cobblers have established an unshakeable hold over Boro’; one that dates all the way back to December 2005 when we our first competitive meeting ended with them

knocking us out of the FA Cup after an eye-poking replay.

To date, we’ve now met 15 times in total. And, as far as our head-to-head record goes, the balance of power is ever so slightly tipped in their favour.

The Cobblers have 12 wins to their name, while Boro’ have one lonely badger of a victory to reflect on. The two draws that complete the record are, in the grand scheme of things, neither here nor there. In the league, the run is currently five straight defeats for us. Can something momentous upset the applecart tonight?

MAGIC MOMENT: Sky Bet League Two – 11 April 2015

ON BOTH SIDES…

If there’s one person tonight who knows what it’s like to play for both Boro’ and the Cobblers, it’s Alex Revell. It was at Sixfields that Revs would spend 18 months before joining us at the Lamex at the end of January 2018. While there, the former striker and now coach featured more than 50 times across all competitions – scoring 14 times.

It’s not hard to pick out this as our magic moment against the Cobblers – being as it’s the only time we’ve ended up on the right side of the result. To be fair, this match seemed as if it was going to type as well. Our visitors this day took the lead six minutes before the interval as ex-Boro’ boy Joel Byron set up Zander Diamond to lash home.

GW had his say at the interval and Boro’ came out with renewed vigour for the second half. The wait was 20 minutes –but the equaliser did come our way. Chris Whelpdale converted Dean Parrett’s free-kick to restore parity and leave all three potential results on the table. As the clock ticked down, which way would it go?

Well, the winner came from a somewhat unlikely source. Simon Walton came off the bench with three minutes left on the clock. And he proved to be an inspired introduction; pouncing to score the winner on 90 minutes. There was some drama still to come as the Cobblers lost Ryan Cresswell to a second yellow card in stoppage time.

By Pete Hayman courtesy of boroguide.co.uk

Joel Byrom is another man who has sampled the delights of both clubs. Having left us for Preston North End in August 2012, he fell out of favour at Deepdale and made his way – via a loan spell at Oldham – to Sixfields. Initially, that was a loan too. But he signed there permanently and was part of the 2015-16 League Two titlewinning team. Some honourable mentions to drop in: Steve Morison, Michael Love, Ryan Kirby, Bradley Johnson, and Danny Rose, are all just some of the players to have worn the red and white of Boro’ and the claret and white of Northampton Town.

Alex Revell

Joel Byrom

ACADEMY

Good afternoon and welcome to today’s fixture against Northampton, there is no doubt it’ll be a determined performance and fingers crossed we continue on our fine form.

Good luck to the gaffer and his team and we will be cheering and joining in with the fans today.

This week saw the departure of our PDP lead Coach Chris Agutter, who departs us after a year to join a Premier League academy. Chris’s journey has been a rollercoaster, but in a positive way.

Chris’ first week saw him join up with the first team, before eventually joining the academy where his hard work and professionalism served us all very well.

Chris leaves with nothing but respect and best wishes and I certainly look forward to staying in touch with him and seeing where his journeys take him. Ronnie Henry has taken over as the Interim PDP lead, as I will join him throughout the week with various others to ensure our players continue to get the best opportunities.

On Tuesday evening Harrison Smith signed his first professional contract with the club and after a dreadful ACL injury last season, his determination and resilience to come back stronger has put him on the right path and this season he

has been a consistent figure within the group and we were delighted when the gaffer and Leon Hunter suggested it was time and of course, we agreed here at the academy. To add, Leon has been keeping a close eye on our younger groups and this week also saw 3 X U15 sign their apprenticeships for the summer of 2024, indicating our long-term commitment to not only the players but the succession planning of our academy.

As an academy we are delighted with our progress and the staff are working incredibly hard to bridge the gap closer to the first team and we are working on some future planning to ensure we all continue to take this academy forward. I am also really pleased with progression of our EDP programme which is now based at the quality Herts FA HQ. Tom Malins and Josh Caldicot-Stevens have really taken the programme to the next level and again looking ahead, I want this programme to be on the leading sites in and around the region and the work that’s being undertaken already suggest this is on track. Keep an eye out on the main club website for the trials that are coming for any players aged 16-19 years old.

JORDEN GIBSON Academy Manager

WOMEN

LYNN TOWN LADIES0

STEVENAGE FCW5

Ray, Re, Nebbitt, Farmer, Neal (c), Price, Millen, Shephard, Greenwood, Gooderham, Makewell

Subs: Manning, Webster, Bellinger

Goals: Makewell, Millen, Shephard, Gooderham, Peeling (OG)

It was a five-star performance from Stevenage as they dismantled a tricky King’s Lynn Town at The Walks on Sunday. The goals were shared amongst the team alongside an unfortunate own-goal as Boro’ claimed all three points to maintain third place in the ERWFL Premier Division.

After a few early probing balls from Stevenage, they broke again down the right flank. Anna Re sent a teasing ball over the defence and Amy Makewell turned around her marker to collect the ball and slot home past Christina Vivas.

That was the 30th goal of her Stevenage career and set her apart as the third highest goal scorer of all time.

With just over ten minutes of the half remaining, Boro’ doubled their lead.

Kelsey Millen burst forward and saw her initial shot saved and cleared back to her, where she sent a looping shot into the top

corner for her first goal at the club. Celine Ray faced her biggest challenge of the half before the next goal. A terrific save down low when Jodie HopkinsDuckhouse found herself alone in the area. The third goal came just five minutes later when Vicky Neal fed Becky Shephard sent a hard, high shot towards goal from thirty yards that Vivas could not keep out. The second half saw Stevenage pick up where they left off. As they battled forward with ten minutes of the half elapsed, Neal won the ball back in the eighteen-yard box. Her little touch gave Amy Gooderham space to get behind the defence and send a low shot to the left of Vivas for the fourth goal of the game.

Stevenage continued to pressure Town and the tireless Gooderham continued to cause problems. After some excellent work down the left, she cut into the box and sent a low ball across goal that Town defender Frances Peeling turned in to her own net for a five-goal lead.

Tilly Sands came the closest for Town with a low driven shot from distance, but it did not trouble Ray in the Stevenage goal. Millen and Gooderham both had late opportunities to add to their goals, but neither could find the net. In the end it was a comfortable victory and Boro’ move on to next week as they continue their defence of the County Cup in Ware against Wodson Park Ladies.

EDWARD PAYNE Stevenage FCW Head of Media

STEVENAGE

FOUNDATION

STEVENAGE FC FOUNDATION LAUNCH ‘EXTRA TIME HUB’ FOR RETIRED AND SEMI-RETIRED PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY

On Tuesday 18th October, Stevenage FC Foundation in partnership with the EFL Trust launched an ‘Extra Time Hub’ for people who are retired or semiretired, to come together and enjoy activities with like-minded people in the community.

Based at the Lamex Stadium, the session will aim to build a community of people to help them enjoy their retirement years and maximise the positive changes in getting older.

Maintaining friendships and being socially active are important parts of healthy, happy ageing and the Extra Time Hub will provide the opportunity to socialise, form new friendships and take part in enjoyable activities that are based upon what individuals want

to do. Activities will vary from quizzes, music, games such as Boccia, New Age Kurling, Pilates, Strength and Balance or just a chat and a warm drink. Initially, the sessions will run once a month in the Broadhall Suite at the Lamex Stadium, and will cost participants £2 to take part, which will include a hot drink. There is free parking on site, or good transport links from around the town with bus stops from SB4, SB40 and SB8 buses directly outside the stadium.

The Extra Time Hub will run on the following dates:

Tuesday 15th November 10am – 12pm Tuesday 13th December 10am – 12pm

No booking is required, however for additional information, please contact Hannah Marsh or Leah Casali in the Health & Wellbeing Team on 01438 222 222 – option 3, or email community@stevenagefcf.com .

MASCOT & MATCHDAY PACKAGES ARE BACK!!

With the 22/23 season well underway, we are delighted to bring back Mascot and Matchday packages to the Lamex Stadium. 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 kick-off 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.”

WELCOME

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE SQUAD LIST

FORM GUIDE

The Cobblers come to the Lamex this afternoon handily placed in third spot, just five points behind leaders Boro. But while their march to the automatic places has been built on solid foundations, form has drifted of late with Town unable to register a win in their last three, taking just one point from a possible nine.

That said, their sole point was in a creditable 0-0 draw at Orient, though prior to this there were disappointing reverses at home to Salford and away to mid-table Walsall.

Three wins and two draws from their first five put our visitors off to a strong league start to the season though they did exit the EFL Cup at home to Wycombe while they have also lost to Ipswich and Cambridge in EFL Trophy action.

Northampton’s place among the top three came during a remarkable September and early October in which they won five in a row, with victories over Barrow, AFC Wimbledon, Rochdale, Stockport and Swindon.

It has also been a turbulent few years of league action for the Cobblers as they have either been promoted, relegated or reached the play-offs in four of the last five seasons. They have been drawn away to National League Chesterfield in the First Round of the FA Cup.

LAST 5 SEASONS

MEET THE BOSS:

Jon Brady played for Hayes, Rushden & Diamonds, Woking, Chester City, Boro and Hereford United. He was part of the Diamonds squad that won the Conference title in 2000–01, scoring the winner at his future club Chester City on the final day of the season to make promotion mathematically certain. In his coaching career, Brady successfully managed Brackley Town between 2009 and 2015, winning seven trophies and breaking numerous records as manager of the club, becoming the longest serving and most successful manager in their history.

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

ONE TO WATCH:

Northampton Town signed striker Sam Hoskins after a successful trial spell in August 2015.

Hoskins began his career at Southampton, making four substitute appearances before loan spells with Rotherham United and Boro. He moved to Yeovil in the summer of 2013 and in his two years at Huish Park he enjoyed a loan spell with Barnet, scoring twice in 6 games. He signed a new two and a half year contract at the PTS Academy Stadium in December 2017 and then won the club’s Goal of the Season award in 2018/19.

Hoskins went on to score at Wembley in the 2020 League 2 play off final as the Cobblers beat Exeter City 4-0. He then signed another new 2 year contract in July 2020 and another new contract in February of this year.

Photos by Pete Norton

Make a Will Month 1-31 October

Protect your loved ones by taking part in Make a Will Month

Local solicitors and will-writes are o ering their expertise FREE OF CHARGE in exchange for a donation to Garden House Hospice Care

Protect your loved ones today. For details on how to book your appointment and the full list of contact details for participating solicitors and will writers, please visit www.ghhospicecare.org.uk/wills or call

STEVENAGE

COMMERCIAL

MATCH SPONSOR

In February 2018 at Herns Lane, Welwyn Garden City a Walking Football group of just four players and Ken Headington of the Stevenage Foundation along with two assistants started regular walking football sessions for what has become Extra Time Welwyn Walking Football Club. We now have a membership group in excess of 40 players and are self-sufficient having decided in late 2021 to operate independently of the Foundation. Walking Football has become something of a phenomenon across the UK attracting ex-professional, amateur and individual players keen to remain active and enjoy themselves in their later years. We are an over 60’s group open to all and encourage improvement in physical wellbeing and walking football skills. Anybody who is interested in our walking football group can contact us via email at wgcextratimewfc@outlook.com - we are proud to have been invited to sponsor today’s match and we wish everybody an enjoyable afternoon and a positive result for Stevenage FC.

MATCH BALL SPONSOR

Based in Stevenage, Kaboodle Ltd specialise in the supply and installation of kitchen appliances to house builders, Kitchen companies and trades. Kaboodle’s dedicated service offers the perfect solution for all developments requiring installation of cooking, cooling, washing, integrated and freestanding appliances. Our project managers are here to help ensure the home is handed over to your customer ready to go and on time. Feel free to drop into our offices on Babbage Road where we hold a large stock of Electrolux, Zanussi, AEG, Neff, Bosch, Siemens, Hotpoint, Indesit, Miele, Beko and Smeg appliances.

For the best possible prices on all major kitchen appliance brands please contact us on 02031911077 or visit us at www. kaboodleit.com

DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR HOSPITALITY PACKAGES FOR THE 2022/23 SEASON... CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFO

SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION LATEST NEWS

WELCOME

It’s good to see The Cobblers back here at The Lamex this afternoon. I bid welcome to their players, directors and especially their fans who have made the journey to our small corner of Hertfordshire. The representative group of their fans is the Northampton Town FC Supporters’ Trust Ltd, which is chaired by Andy Roberts with a board comprising Bob Souster, Bob Clarke, Keith Buckby and Derek Krajewski. Hoping you have a great time here this afternoon and have a safe journey home.

FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION (FSA)

A joint survey conducted by the FSA and the Non-League newspaper has identified some worrying findings concerning the pending cost of living crisis. Of supporters canvassed, 58% say that the situation has already impacted on how much money they are able to spend on football. Around one in four fans (23.9%) say they expect to attend fewer fixtures over the winter period, and half (49.9%) say they expect to attend fewer away fixtures as a result of rising prices. Andy Walsh, head of national game at the FSA, said: “The economic uncertainty and increases in the cost of living are having an impact on where football supporters spend their disposable income. Our survey of nonleague fans shows the financial squeeze of inflation and the rising cost of energy and housing is already causing supporters to rein in their spending on football.”

LADIES TEAM

At the recent AGM of the supporters’ association, a commitment was registered to accord closer ties to the Stevenage FC Women’s team and their supporters. We are, after all, the same club. This prompted me to consider all the other womesn teams that had previously been associated with the club. I recall that when I was the chair of the Stevenage Borough

Juniors club (some 25 years ago!), we had a girls/women’s section which could boast three junior teams and one senior team. I’m pleased to note that one of those team’s managers (Leon Fleming) is now involved in coaching our current Stevenage FC Women’s team.

I can also remember the Stevenage Athletic FC ladies team - of fifty years ago! The attached photo depicts Fiona Jennings. The year is 1974 and Fiona was the club captain.

I would love to know more about this team. Did you play for them? Is Fiona still in the locality? If anyone has any information about the Stevenage Athletic FC ladies team, then do get in touch here: Lloyd@ sfcsa.co.uk

THE BORO BUS

So, who’s coming to Donny? It’s this coming Tuesday (25th) and we leave at 4.00pm for the trek up the A1 to Doncaster. Cost is £25 for members.

We’re away again next Saturday (29th). The lucky people of Colchester will be our hosts on this occasion - and SA members only need to pay £20 for the bus ride which departs The Lamex at 12:00 noon. Please check our website here for details.

LLOYD BRISCOE Chair - Stevenage FC Supporters’ Association

Fiona Jennings

DATE OPPONENT ATT RES BORO SCORERS JULY 2022

Sat Jul 30 Tranmere Rovers FL2 6,111 2-1 Reeves, Roberts AUGUST 2022

Sat Aug 06 Stockport County FL2 2,973 2-1 Norris, Reid

Tue Aug 09 Reading CC 4,230 2-1 Earley, Rose

Sat Aug 13 Walsall FL2 5,079 1-1 Rose

Tue Aug 16 Rochdale FL2 2,720 1-0 Piergianni

Sat Aug 20 Carlisle United FL2 2,514 2-1 Smith, Clark

Tue Aug 23 Peterborough United CC 2,292 1-0 Reid

Sat Aug 27 Salford City FL2 2,023 0-1

Tue Aug 30 Peterborough United JPT 2,420 2-1 Taylor, Piergianni

SEPTEMBER 2022

Sat Sept 03 Crewe Alexandra FL2 3,669 2-1 Reid x 2

Tue Sept 13 Newport County FL2 2,109 1-0 Gilbey

Sat Sept 17 Bradford City FL2 16,917 0-3

Tue Sept 20 Wycombe Wanderers JPT 717 3-0 Rose x 2, Vancooten

Sat Sept 24 Harrogate Town FL2 2,547 1-0 Sweeney

OCTOBER 2022

Sat Oct 01 Crawley Town FL2 2,732 2-1 Roberts, Norris

Tue Oct 04 Sutton United FL2 2,471 3-0 Sweeney, Norris x 2

Sat Oct 08 Swindon Town FL2 4,087 2-0 Roberts x 2

Sat Oct 15 Gillingham FL2 5,031 1-1 Rose

Tue Oct 18 Tottenham Hotspur U21 JPT 1,449 1-0 Roberts

Sat Oct 22 Northampton Town FL2

Tue Oct 25 Doncaster Rovers FL2

Sat Oct 29 Colchester United FL2

NOVEMBER 2022

Sat Nov 05 Gateshead FAC

Tue Nov 08 Charlton Athletic CC

Sat Nov 12 Hartlepool United FL2

Sat Nov 19 Grimsby Town FL2

Sat Nov 26 Round 2 FAC

DECEMBER 2022

Fri Dec 02 Barrow FL2

Sat Dec 10 Mansfield Town FL2

Sat Dec 17 AFC Wimbledon FL2

Mon Dec 26 Leyton Orient FL2

Thu Dec 29 Crawley Town FL2

JANUARY 2023

Sun Jan 01 Gillingham FL2

Sat Jan 07 Swindon Town FL2

Sat Jan 14 Harrogate Town FL2

Sat Jan 21 Leyton Orient FL2

Sat Jan 28 Crewe Alexandra FL2

FEBRUARY 2023

Sat Feb 04 Sutton United FL2

Sat Feb 11 Bradford City FL2

Tue Feb 14 Newport County FL2

Sat Feb 18 Stockport County FL2

Sat Feb 25 Tranmere Rovers FL2

MARCH 2023

Sat Mar 04 Rochdale FL2

Sat Mar 11 Walsall FL2

Sat Mar 18 Carlisle United FL2

Sat Mar 25 Salford City FL2

APRIL 2023

Sat Apr 01 Northampton Town FL2

Fri Apr 07 Colchester United FL2

Mon Apr 10 Hartlepool United FL2

Sat Apr 15 AFC Wimbledon FL2

Tue Apr 18 Doncaster Rovers FL2

Sat Apr 22 Mansfield Town FL2

Sat Apr 29 Grimsby Town FL2

MAY 2023

Sat May 06 Barrow FL2

FIXTURES & RESULTS 2022/23

APPEARANCES PL GLS

Dan Sweeney

(0) 2 Terence Vancooten 17 (1) 1 Carl Piergianni 16 (0) 2 Taye Ashby-Hammond 14 (0) 0 Jake Reeves 14 (4) 1 Luke Norris 13 (2) 4 Jordan Roberts 11 (7) 4 Saxon Earley 10 (5) 1 Luther James-Wildin 10 (5) 0 Danny Rose 10 (5) 5 Alex Gilbey 9 (0) 1 Jamie Reid 9 (8) 4 Max Clark 8 (3) 1 Kane Smith 8 (3) 1 Jake Taylor 8 (10) 1 Arthur Read 6 (6) 0 Michael Bostwick 5 (5) 0 Dean Campbell 5 (5) 0 Aaron Chapman 4 (0) 0 David Amoo 2 (1) 0 Elliott List 1 (0) 0

LEAGUE TABLE

Stevenage

Leyton Orient

Northampton Town

Mansfield Town

Bradford City

Carlisle United

City

Town

Rovers

P W D L Pts

IS THERE A BETTER WAY TO BUY YOUR NEXT CAR?

CAZOO YEAH!

Buy

*Effective against enveloped viruses **vs representative Gram-negative bacterium. Always practise good hand hygiene. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. 99.9% OF BACTERIA

*Effective against enveloped viruses **vs representative Gram-negative bacterium. Always practise good hand hygiene. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. 99.9% OF BACTERIA

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

‘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