Rushden Preview

Rushden & Diamonds are next up for Boro as they look to bounce back from their defeat last weekend to Oxford United. The 2-1 loss at the Kassam Stadium was Boro’s only defeat of the season so far although the Hertfordshire club have also only won 1 match out of the 5 played. Rushden have faired slightly better recording 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat in their opening 5 games. The Diamonds started poorly when they were beaten 2-0 at home against Salisbury before coming back to win 8 points from the next 12 available.

Boro are still without Charlie Griffin who is struggling with a groin injury. Chris Beardsley is expected to continue up front alongside either Lee Boylan or Yemi Odubade. Beardsley will be facing one of his former clubs and will be hoping to continue his scoring form at Broadhall Way. Chris Day is also expected to miss out again with a thumb injury so Ashley Bayes will again deputise. Other than that Boro are more or less at full strength and the only decision GW will have to make is whether to continue with Jon Ashton or bring back Michael Bostwick to the defence and go with a different midfield. 

Rushden have a bit of an injury crisis ahead of their trip down to Broadhall Way. Midfielders Rob Wolleaston and Kurt Robinson are doubtful while striker Sam Smith is also struggling with a dead leg. There are also concerns over the fitness of former Barnet player Max Porter.

“I think Stevenage are going to be tough, they’re a very physical, well organised side. I’m always one to relish the challenge put in front of you, I hope and I’m pretty certain will do that going into the game looking to get another positive result to bring us back here on Monday to collect three points” Edinburgh on the Stevenage game

Stevenage’s record against Rushden recently has been good. Boro won the home fixture last season before drawing 1-1 at Nene Park on New Year’s Day. It could be argued that the victory on Boxing Day began Boro’s superb form in the second half of last season. The next game at Nene Park was one that Boro should of won comfortably after a ‘wonder’ goal from Steve Morison. A Sam Smith strike late on denied Westley’s side all 3 points.

“We’re back in our stadium, back in our home patch. We want to pick up from where we left off last time out – a good performance against Ebbsfleet. Every side is going to prepare themselves for the next game they are playing. Any opposition you play will do what it can to be at its best on the day. We have worked this week to make sure we are at our best on the day. We don’t expect any points to be easy. We know they are above us in the table. We are playing to go above them and are looking forward to the challenge.” Westley on facing Rushden

I think Stevenage can win this game, but it won’t be easy. Rushden are a much better side than last season and have some experienced Conference players mixed with some good youth players. Edinburgh has got them organised and has players who can score goals within the squad. Craig Farrell is a proven goalscorer at this level and Cliff Akurang excelled for Histon before earning a move to Barnet. I think Boro will just nick it with either and early or late goal settling it.

The Rushden perspective

Personally I think if we can start this match well we can go on and get a morale boosting win. So I’m going for a 2 -v- 1 victory with Farrell and Tomlin scoring, in front of 1984 fans (221 away). 2ofdiamonds

Stevenage Squad

Ashley Bayes, Chris Day, Lawrie Wilson, Scott Laird, Ronnie Henry, Jon Ashton, Mark Roberts, Mark Albrighton, Eddie Odhiambo, Michael Bostwick, Stacy Long, Peter Vincenti, David Bridges, Darren Murphy, Andy Drury, Joel Byrom, Mitchell Cole, Yemi Odubade, Lee Boylan, Charlie Griffin, Chris Beardsley

Prediction: Boro 1-0 Rushden