Stevenage FC v Portsmouth FC

B RO

v PORTSMOUTH FC

Saturday, August 26 2023

Kick-Off: 3.00pm

MANAGER STEVE EVANS

All photos by Jim Steele

The atmosphere will be electric & we trust our supporters to turn up in numbers

CEO MIKE PINK

Good afternoon and welcome to the players and officials of Portsmouth FC and both sets of supporters for today’s match at The Lamex Stadium, which I’m sure will be an exciting game.

It’s great that the team has gotten off to a terrific start, amassing nine points from the opening twelve and playing three of our four league matches away from home. Huge credit to Steve Evans, his staff and the players for how they have started this season. The spirit amongst the squad is fantastic.

The promotion last season and our start to the campaign have continued to support the growth of the football club, and we are starting to show real progress.

We have recorded our highest-ever Season

Ticket sales, and from early signs, including today’s match, we anticipate a rapid increase in the average attendance for home matches this season. Replica shirt and merchandise sales are up by 45%, and the new retro shirts we recently

launched have proved to be popular. Commercially speaking, hospitality boxes for some fixtures are already sold out, and I urge supporters or businesses looking to enjoy a package with us to book in early this season. There are still opportunities for Match and Match Ball Sponsorships, so please get in touch with davidh@stevenagefc.com for more information. Our non-matchday business is also flourishing with increased bookings for The 76 Lounge and The Broadhall Suite, which are great venues for parties, conferences and events.

Next week will see the launch of our Junior Boro Membership, where our junior fans can sign up and receive a merchandise pack, discount in the store, access to a Christmas party and many other benefits over the season. I want to thank Gravity Active Stevenage, who are sponsoring Junior Boro and our mascot ‘Boro Bear’.

On your journey into the Stadium today you may well have noticed that the underpass leading to the Club, Fairlands and the Roaring Meg has received a makeover. We now have our very own Stevenage branded tunnel with some legends of past and present from our history adorning the wall as well as highlighting the work the club does in the community. This opportunity was presented to us by Hertfordshire County Council, The Stevenage Development Board and we thank them, The Foundation and MurWalls who completed the work for all their support.

Following on from our opening away matches and letters received from The FA, I need to take this opportunity to remind a small minority of supporters that when travelling to away games or attending home matches, you are representing Stevenage Football Club.

The recent flares and pyrotechnics being set off during the game after goals are scored are unacceptable. The Club continues to work with the other clubs and authorities to identify the culprits. I wanted to clarify that we will not hesitate to ban individuals who bring in or throw pyrotechnics or flares.

Finally, today should be a near sell-out attendance. It shows how far we have come and how we continue to grow. Your support is vital to our success, so please make some noise and get behind the lads today.

Thank you and enjoy the game.

AHEAD OF THE GAME

MATCHDAY TIMINGS

CLUB SHOP: Midday-3pm & 15 minutes after FT TICKET OFFICE: Midday-3.15pm

THE BROADHALL SUITE: Midday – Kick-Off (Home & Away supporters). Bar Food Available

THE 76 LOUNGE: Midday-Kick-Off (Home & Away Supporters), 3.15pm – 80 minutes (North Stand Ticket Holders). FT – 8pm (Home & Away Supporters). Bar Snacks Available

TURNSTILES: 1:30pm

TICKET INFO

BACK THE BORO VS PORTSMOUTH IN LEAGUE ONE

We recommend arriving at the stadium early to avoid lengthy queues at the turnstiles and ensure you are seated in your allocated seat.

TICKETS & TRAVEL EXETER CITY (TUES 29 AUG, 7:45PM)

Match tickets are available from the Stevenage FC Club Shop (open Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays 10am-5pm), Home Matchdays (Midday-3pm) and from St James Park on the day of the game (£2 increase).

Adult: £13 Senior: £13 18-23: £8 U18s: £3

Concession

Under 18

Under 12 £5 £10 £12 £10

LOVE FOOTBALL. PROTECT THE GAME.

• No smoking or vaping anywhere within the stadium perimeter.

• Glass, cans, flasks and umbrellas are prohibited - a full list of prohibited items can be found here.

• Anti-social or disorderly behaviour of any sort will not be tolerated.

• Entering the field of play is a criminal offence. The Club will act swiftly and to its full powers to ban and prosecute individuals who break ground regulations.

fan FOCUS

East Terrace regulars

Jake Yelland and Abbie Steer were married on Saturday 5th August. Congratulations to them both from everyone at The Boro, and we look forward to seeing you back on the ET soon.

Jake Yelland & Abbie Steer

Calling all Boro fans..

DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST GAME OR THE FIRST SHIRT YOU BOUGHT? DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE ALL TIME PLAYER?

We would love to feature your memories in our digital interactive programme… if you are interested please drop Alex (dslo@stevenagefc.com) or Carl (slo@stevenagefc.com) an email asap!

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

2023 2023/24 /24

MATCHDAY MASCOTS

Being a mascot is a great way to experience a VIP day at the club. The mascot will also get a unique experience to speak to all their heroes and get a signed autograph book. The day becomes a wonderful lifelong memory, never to be forgotten.

Children aged 4-15* years old can be a mascot for home and away games.

*If you would like to enquire about a mascot package for children outside of this age range, please contact us on 01438 222222 .

PACKAGE 1 INCLUDES:

• Meet the first team players in the changing room

• Signed merchandise

• Kickabout on The Lamex Stadium pitch before the game and at half-time

• Your picture & mascot interview featured in the matchday programme

• Pre-match shout out from our stadium announcer

• Walkout with your choice of first team player in front of The Lamex crowd

• Matchday pack including certificate and activity packs

• 4 x North Stand Tickets (Includes mascot)

• Some of the changes to the packages have been made inline with EFL legislation around Covid-19 precautions.

To enquire about booking a mascot experience, click here to download our mascot registration form (attached). Then please return the form, completed, to our Football Development Officer, Melissa Edwards via melissa.edwards@ stevenagefcf.com who will then confirm your booking details with you.

If you’d like to discuss our mascot package in more detail, please contact the Foundation on 01438 222222

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Stevenage hosted Cambridge United in the first leg of the National League play-off semi final. The visitors were an agonising two points shy of securing automatic promotion to the Football League, but it was instead Burton who claimed that place, leaving the U’s to battle their way past a delighted Boro side who had clinched the final play-off spot by two points. Boro had held their own against an impressive Cambridge side, and until just before half time the home faithful may have been becoming increasingly confident of their chances, however a twist was caused by the dismissal of Darren Murphy, who seemingly elbowed a Cambridge player as he ran for a cross. Making Stevenage start the second half with only ten men. This numerical difference however wasn’t

Thursday 30th April 2009

CAMBRIDGE 1

STARTING XI

16 Chris Day

25 Ronnie Henry

5 Jon Ashton

14 Mark Roberts

3 Scott Laird

7 Darren Murphy

23 Andy Drury (88’)

24 Michael Bostwick

11 Junior Mendes (45’)

10 Lee Boylan (71’)

20 Steve Morrison

SUBSTITUTES

1 Ashley Bayes

19 Calum Willock (88’)

2 Lawrie Wilson (71’)

8 Gary Mills (45’)

30 Peter Vincenti

reflected in the second half display as Andy Drury swung a dangerous freekick towards the back post, Steve Morrison headed the ball across the goalmouth; where Mark Roberts then thumped a header into the back of the net, giving Stevenage the lead. Their lead however was short-lived due to the brilliance of Lee Phillips who thunderously fired a volley from the edge of the Stevenage box, levelling the game merely a minute after Boro had scored.

But Andy Drury then caused Stevenage to reclaim their advantage after a speculative long ball was met by the head of striker, Steve Morrison who looped the ball over the Cambridge ‘keeper. Morrison and Drury were set to link up yet again in the 83rd minute as Drury nodded a pass through to the path of Morrison who lethally converted his chance, giving Boro a 3-1 lead to take into the second leg at the Abbey Stadium.

ALFIE NICHOLSON

Stats courtesy of Boroguide

BORO HISTORY

ON THIS DAY: 26 AUGUST

Look, nothing of what is to become this season will be decided today. But it would be nice if we could add a “win” to the tally for 26 August. In that department, Boro’ are looking a bit lean; four victories from 10 is what we’re on. To be fair, the positive spin is that we’re unbeaten in four on this date in history. Can we make it five?

OK, so nothing is going to be decided today. Maybe matters can signpost the direction of travel, though? In 1995, we travelled to Southport and collected three points towards our eventual title success. A year later, mind you, and Boro’ were on the back foot – Barry Hayles unable to stop us losing to a Macclesfield side who’d take our crown that year.

In more recent times, some happier tales. The balance of power in Herts was truly shown on our last appearance on 26 August. Dale Gorman’s red card didn’t prevent us from defeating Barnet (again); the Northern Irish lad now plying his trade down at the Hive.

And how about our 2006 trip to Morecambe, eh? There was something about the Shrimps that season. We met them four times, this being the first – and one of three in which we scored three times. In context here, however, is that we earned our first league point under Stimmo (at the fourth attempt), with Moro’s hattrick very much to thank for it.

IT’S PORTSMOUTH AGAIN…

Five wins from 12 previous meetings is a credible return for Boro’; not least considering the comparative gulf in size between the two sides on show today. Yes, Pompey have five wins of their own. But it does suggest that we’re more than capable of holding our own against the side from the South Coast.

And we’ve (both) come a long way since our firstever encounter in the first stage of the League Cup in August 2010. Us, fresh from the Blue Square Premier. Them, tail between their legs after relegation from the Premier League. The scoreline ended up being 2-1 to them. Fair. But hardly indicative of how things would pan out between us.

1982 Stevenage Borough 0-1 Irthlingborough

Diamonds, United Counties League Premier Division

1986 Rainham Town 1-1 Stevenage Borough, AC Delco Cup Preliminary Round (R Marshall)

1989 Clapton 2-0 Stevenage Borough, Vauxhall Opel League Division Two North

1991 Stevenage Borough 3-0 Cove, Diadora League Cup

1995 Southport 0-1 Stevenage Borough, GM Vauxhall Conference (S Marshall)

1996 Macclesfield Town 2-1 Stevenage Borough, GM Vauxhall Conference (Hayles)

2000 Hednesford Town 1-1 Stevenage Borough, Nationwide Conference (Illman)

2002 Stevenage Borough 1-0 Gravesend & Northfleet , Nationwide Conference (Sigere)

2006 Morecambe 3-3 Stevenage Borough, Conference National (Morison 3)

2017 Barnet 0-1 Stevenage, Sky.Bet League Two (Pett; Gorman s/o)

MAGIC MOMENT:

18 March 2017 – Sky Bet League Two

As far as Boro’ are concerned, the 2016-7 campaign should read “missed opportunity” in big red Comic Sans capital letters. This fine victory at the Lamex catapulted us to fourth in the table; four points behind Pompey inside the top three. And four points clear of Blackpool in eighth. That we didn’t even make the playoffs is a tale for another day.

Here, though, we made a mockery of Portsmouth’s promotion credentials. At the same time, we strengthened ours. Jack King headed us ahead after quarter of an hour, before Matt Godden bagged his 13th goal in 15 appearances on the half hour mark (or near enough). Jobi McAnuff then compounded things for our guests straight after the break. If that wasn’t bad enough for Pompey, Christian Burgess picked up a second yellow on 75 minutes.

Then, late on, a chance to score a consolation goal was passed up by Conor Chaplin from the penalty spot.

BORO’ AT THIS STAGE…

Gameweek 5

Defeat at Reading means that we come into gameweek 5 with our first blot on this season’s copybook. To be fair, we are still just one point down on where we were at this stage last season – even if that was the level below. And we’re still performing favourably compared with our previous League One outings.

In 2012, Boro’ were the side who were quickest in pursuit of early leaders Tranmere Rovers. But, even then, we only managed eight point from our first four (two wins, two draws). The year before, it was a standard GW start to a new season as we had six points (one win, three draws) – and we ended up making the playoffs. And what about other years gone by? Well, to have won four on the bounce at the top of the league season would’ve only been the fourth time we’d ever achieved it. Only on three further occasions have we been on double figures with our points haul at this stage. And, hey, we had nine points after four when we won the Conference in 1995-6, so…

By Pete Hayman courtesy of boroguide.co.uk

ON BOTH SIDES…

Two lads on our side today should need little introduction to our opponents; Nathan and Louis Thompson both once on the books at Pompey. Nathan was at Fratton Park for two years between 2017 and 2019, bagging his first goal for them in the 2019 Checkatrade Trophy Final – a match that Pompey won on penalties. Louis’ time on the south coast, meanwhile, was a bit more recent; arriving at the Lamex in the summer after two years himself at Fratton Park. Bondz N’Gala, Patrick Agyemang, and James Dunne are three men from our last League One odyssey to play for both sides. Meanwhile, Pompey were the last club that Sam Sodje played for before things went awry for him off the field back in 2013. And we can also place Dave Beasant in this Venn diagram – although the veteran goalkeeper only made it as far as the bench for us. Which is just as well, given he was in his mid-50s at the time.

Sam Sodje

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 BY

4 Nathan Thompson SPONSORED BY LAST GOALSCORERS SOCIETY

5 Carl Piergianni SPONSORED BY DAVID GRAY

6 Dan Sweeney SPONSORED BY

9 Elliott List SPONSORED BY

12 Krisztian Hegyi SPONSORED BY JOHN MACKENZIE

14 Kane Smith SPONSORED BY

10 Nick Freeman SPONSORED BY

8 Jake Forster-Caskey SPONSORED BY

11 Jordan Roberts SPONSORED BY ALFIE MILES

7 Alex McDonald SPONSORED BY

16 Harry Anderson SPONSORED BY

17 Finley Burns SPONSORED BY

Paul Raynor SPONSORED BY Alex Revell SPONSORED BY

Keith Bell SPONSORED BY Ian Pledger SPONSORED BY Steve Evans SPONSORED BY

19 Jamie Reid SPONSORED BY

20 Aaron Pressley SPONSORED BY

23 Louis Thompson SPONSORED BY

24 Ben Thompson SPONSORED BY

Josh March

22 Harrison Neal SPONSORED BY

25 Reece Hannam SPONSORED BY

15 Terence Vancooten SPONSORED BY

STEVENAGE FC ACADEMY

Good afternoon and welcome to the Lamex for today’s fixture with Portsmouth.

Lots has changed since I was last asked to write notes for the programme, firstly on a personal note I have a new job role at the football club, and I am loving it. Moving across age groups to now overseeing our Under 11s – Under 14s as the Foundation Phase Lead coach at the academy. The new season has just started for these players with this being their first week back through the doors at Shephalbury. We welcomed Players, Parents & coaches to the Lamex on Monday for our induction evening allowing us to talk about all the positive changes that have undergone at our academy and outline our goals for the new season.

I would firstly like to take this opportunity to thank all the players and parents across our academy not just in the Foundation Phase for the season just gone, everyone at our academy is fully aware of the journeys and timescales involved in traveling to and from training and fixtures and we hope for the same level of support this season as we hopefully again look to build on fantastic experiences for our young players and test ourselves against some of the best clubs in the country and hopefully in Europe too. Secondly, I would like to thank all the staff for all their hard work in making the experience at our academy the best for all our young players. Ultimately the environment we

have at our academy not only develops players but helps the development of our staff as well, and I would like to welcome a couple of new faces that are coming into the Foundation Phase as lead coaches in Sian Lingham who joins us from a support role last season becoming our 13 lead, and Phil Hill who becomes our U12 lead, I have already worked with Phil this week and he has been fantastic and has a clear passion for development of players.

Now onto a summer like no other with the return of football this has meant the last few months have been busier than ever with little time in between to put your feet up & rest. The planning for this coming season started pretty much straight away to ensure that our academy meets the staffs aim of being the best Cat 3 academy in the country.

I hope you enjoy the game, make some noise, and COME ON THE BORO!

TOM FARR Foundation Phase Lead

STEVENAGE FC WOMEN

REAL BEDFORD 4

Hudson, Reed, Milliken, Gerkey, Crooks, Carroll, Croucher, Washington, Franklin, Fensome, Partridge.

Subs: Billing, Mulvihill, Bhatti, Ajayi, Mays

Goals: Croucher x 2, Fensome, Mays

Booked: Washington, Fensome

STEVENAGE FCW 1

O’Brien, Martin, Edge, Gunn, Nebbitt, White, Baker-Re, Bodily, Schofield, Makewell, Millen

Subs: Farmer, Gooderham, Dempsey, Southby

Sent Off: Schofield

Stevenage FCW slumped to defeat in the first game of the season with the main highlight being a debut goal for young Lilia Dempsey. The Boro’ could be forgiven for thinking they had undergone piracy on the high seas after a first half display with no fewer than five clear cut opportunities spurned, a penalty conceded in each half and a red card to boot.

In truth though, it was just one of those days in what was an otherwise entertaining encounter. From the moment the team arrived and entered the tunnel to the dressing rooms, the ground gave off a vibe akin to that of a theme park prior to going on a frightening rollercoaster. The game itself was exactly that. Boro’ were out of the blocks immediately and played with verve and vigour. Chances were beginning to be created, but the momentum was halted when Bedford attacked, as Gemma Franklin tried to knock the ball over Katie White. The ball jammed underneath her arm and Emma Chamberlain had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.Gemma Croucher, an ex-Stevenage player from 2016/17, stepped up to put away an unstoppable penalty high above the outstretched arms of Mia O’Brien.

From this point on, Stevenage rallied and could consider themselves unfortunate not to have levelled and gained an advantage. First came an attempt from the energetic Kelsey Millen, who will be disappointed to have seen her attempt fly narrowly over the bar. Then came skipper for the day and newly appointed Vice-Captain, Amy Makewell. Her one-two with Millen opened upan opportunity for a shot from distance that again whistled just over the bar.

Shortly afterwards, Stevenage were awarded

a free kick which was sent deep by Hannah Nebbitt. It was perfection as Rebecca Edge stole in at the back, but her right footed shot went narrowly wide with Sarah Hudson seemingly beaten.

It was Hudson who became the hero for Bedford. As Rebecca Edge controlled a great corner from the left-hand side. She dug the ball out and in the blink of an eye saw her first shot rebound off Hudson’s legs and the second one smothered.

Bedford were riding their luck and another teasing ball from the left was gobbled up by Millen, who rose to meet the ball with her head, only to see it rebound immediately from the crossbar and cleared by Kaylen Gerkey. The final chance of note in the first half came when a superb ball from the right found Nebbitt whose thunderous left footer was driven towards goal, but also Hudson who with a strong pair of hands pushed the ball away from goal for Amy Reed to hook away to safety. With 30 seconds left of the half, Fensome was sent to the sinbin for ten minutes alongside a yellow card, meaning Bedford would start the second half without their legendary striker. Boro’ started the second half strongly too and Makewell would have been annoyed that her effort at the far post could not find the target. Slowly, Bedford worked their way into the game before disaster struck for the away side. Natasha Fensome, who had returned to the pitch moments earlier,rounded Mia O’Brien and sent a left footer goalwards. Emily Schofield attempted to block, but with the ball heading in, it struck her arm changing the direction of the ball. A penalty was awarded and Schofield was asked to walk the plank off the pitch. Croucher stepped up again and hammered the ball home centrally for her second of the day.

The next 30 minutes were patchy, with many substitutions and breaks in play. Mia O’Brien made two fantastic saves, one to deny captain Zara Carroll on her 50th appearance for the club, nabbing the ball away from her feet. The second followed a let off as Fensome found space and saw her shot hit the crossbar as O’Brien narrowed the window of opportunity. This time, it was a point blank save with her knees to deny Croucher her hat trick. Boro’ pushed on as the game opened up and this space and frenetic pace led to Fensome

finding space in the final five minutes of normal time and sending a low driven shot past the outstretched hand of O’Brien. Things looked bleak for Stevenage, but to the credit of the team they fought on. However, it was the substitute Neve Mays who won the battle with Rebecca Edge in the fourth minute of ten added on. From close range she smashed the ball past a helpless O’Brien to gloss a scoreline that did not seem indicative of the overall game.

Boro’ did add a goal shortly afterwards when Anna Baker-Re curled in a delightful ball from the left for debutant Lilia Dempsey to flick inside the far post and out of reach of Hudson. It was a difficult result to take with Makewell stating,“We ran our socks off, the energy was there so we have positives to take from it.”

Meanwhile the manager was equally positive, Theperformance was good and the first half was exceptional. We were unfortunate to go in one goal down, but their ‘keeper has kept them in it. It is one of those ones you take on the chin and move on.”

Makewell added, “The positivity is still there.” It should be, there’s still 21 games to go after all. Football is back and Boro’ will be too.

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

STEVENAGE FC FOUNDATION

BORO BYGONES

Stevenage FC Foundation are proud to be launching a brand-new programme for people living with Dementia and their carers, to meet up weekly at the Lamex Stadium and talk all things Boro!

Dementia is fast becoming the defining health issue of our time, with the number of people living with the condition projected to increase rapidly over the coming years and currently with no treatment to prevent, slow or cure the underlying disease.

Boro Bygones is a reminiscence programme aimed at those living with mild to moderate dementia and has kindly been funded by the Hertfordshire Sport and Physical Activity Partnership with support from the University of Hertfordshire. The sessions will use a host of Stevenage FC memorabilia and magic moments to stimulate the senses, alongside reintroducing some physical activity in the form of chair-based exercises and table football. We will also have guest speakers attending the sessions to assist in the recollection of memories. These free sessions will run from 2 –4pm on Thursday afternoons and will take place in the Community Hub at the Lamex Stadium. Refreshments will also be available throughout.

We hope to take all participants and their carers on a stimulating, entertaining and engaging journey through the decades with this programme and make a positive difference in these people’s lives.

To sign up or for more information, please contact community@stevenagefcf. com or call 01438 222222 and ask to speak with the Health team.

Dementia is fast becoming the defining health issue of our time

WELCOME

www.portsmouthfc.co.uk

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE SQUAD LIST

Meet the boss

In January 2023, John Mousinho was appointed head coach on a long-term contract after leaving his position as player/coach at fellow League One side Oxford United. After studying at the University of Notre Dame in America, Mousinho began his professional football career under former Pompey

midfielder Martin Allen at Brentford. He went on to appear for Wycombe and then at Boro where he enjoyed legend status, before on to Preston and Burton before signing for Oxford in 2017.

Mousinho made more than 150 appearances for United and also took up a coaching role with the club previously. He was elected as chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association players’ board in May 2021, but will soon be standing down from that position to fully focus on his new role.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

John Mousinho

SEASONS

Last FIVE

One'S to watch

JOE MORRELL

Pompey signed Joe Morrell from Luton for an undisclosed fee in August 2021.

made two senior appearances in 2010 before departing for Cheltenham.

Pack has since played Championship football for Bristol City and Cardiff, departing the latter club at the end of 2021/22. Pack spent time on loan with Wycombe, Dagenham & Redbridge and Cheltenham during his first spell at Fratton Park.

Joe Morrell

The Wales international started all four games for his country at last summer’s delayed European Championship, including the 2-0 group stage victory over Turkey. Morrell progressed through the ranks at Bristol City and had several spells out on loan –including under Danny Cowley at Lincoln. He signed for Luton in October 2020 and made 11 appearances for the Championship outfit last season.

MARLON PACK

Pompey completed the signing of Marlon Pack in the summer of 2022.

The 31-year-old Portsmouth-born midfielder returned to the club where he began his professional career. After progressing through the academy, he

His senior appearances for the Blues came in a League Cup tie with Crystal Palace and a Championship clash with Cardiff. Pack moved to Whaddon Road on a permanent basis in 2011 and twice helped the Robins reach the League Two play-offs, being named in the PFA Team of the Year on both occasions.

Marlon Pack

He then signed for Bristol City and was a regular member of the side that secured both the League One title and the EFL Trophy in 2014/15. Pack continued to impress in the Championship and made a total of 282 appearances for the club, then went on to feature more than 100 times in three seasons with Cardiff.

STEVENAGE FC COMMERCIAL

MATCH SPONSOR

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MASCOTS

Welcome to our two mascots today. First we have Isabella Lewis, 13, who attends Marriotts and whose favourite player is Carl Piergianni. We also say hi to Olivia Brockhurst, 13, who also attends Marriotts and whose favourite player is Terence Vancooten.

Isabella Lewis Olivia Brockhurst

They can take their place from:

1st September (Autumn Term)

1st January (Spring Term)

1st April (Summer Term)

LATEST NEWS

WELCOME

“Play Up Pompey” are here – and so are their fantastic supporters. Portsmouth are a great old club. Their Fratton Park Stadium – especially its Frogmore Road entrance - evokes both atmosphere and memories. It is one of the great Archibald Leitch’s ‘cathedrals’ to the beautiful game.

Did you know…. That Portsmouth’s ground is the only professional football stadium that isn’t on the mainland of Great Britain? It’s actually on Portsea Island.

Pam Wilkins (“Pompey Pam”) is a very good friend of mine. Pam was one of the original Pompey Supporters’ Trust founder members as well as an old mucka of mine on the Football Supporters’ Association. If you’re here this afternoon Pam, do look me up.

I think husband Steve is treating her to a special break – somewhere . .

Bernice has been a true and loyal supporter of the club since, well, as long as I can remember. If you get the chance, do go wish her a Happy Birthday (it’s on the 11th don’t forget). She sits just two rows directly behind Big Steve’s dugout.

FSA

News from the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) revolves around the prices being charged by some of the Premier League clubs for tickets. Members of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) engaged in a demonstration outside White Hart Lane last weekend, citing that their “match-day tickets are the most expensive in the Premier League, and supporters living standards are being squeezed by the cost-of-living crisis”. To watch a single game at Spurs can now cost as much as £103!

It’s a lot cheaper in the JBT on the East Stand (£20) here at the Boro, and the football is arguably just as good. (Beer’s better too).

BORO BUS

Orient next week. That should be a cracker –especially if last season was anything to go by.

The busses leave The Lamex at mid-day next Saturday (Sep 2nd), and the cost is just £20 for SA members. Door-to-Door, safe and secure - that is great value for money, especially in this day and age.

Get thee there with Boro the Bear. Brisbane Road, here we come.

SHOUT OUT

It’s Bernice Rawling’s birthday soon. Well, it’s September 11thactually, but she’ll be away for the Carlisle game so I’m letting everyone know today.

The FSA are currently canvassing all their members about the parking of supporter’s official buses at away grounds. The prices charged and the restrictions imposed vary from ground to ground (and both John Carroll and Andy Muggeridge will ably testify to the anomalies experienced). At the conclusion of this exercise, the FSA will circulate to its membership and attempt to identify where the common ground (no pun!) is and what can be done to standardise what is effectively the same to all club supporters groups.

SA MEMBERSHIP

Roll up, roll up. Membership to the Stevenage FC Supporters’ Association is now open to all. Basic adult subscription is just £15, but concession and junior/family memberships available too. See Membership page on the SA’s website for details.

LLOYD BRISCOE Chair - Stevenage FC Supporters’ Association

HERE’S A I BET YOU DIDN’T KN