Review: Around The Grounds

September 8, 2010 Leave a Comment

‘Around The Grounds’ is a fans’ guide to the clubs of the English Football League, with a twist. The book covers all the 92 clubs with the information that you would expect. It has the address details, a bit about the history and directions like a normal ground guide, but ‘Around The Grounds’ also gives readers an insight into the club by having the fans comment on the culture of the club from the Heroes on the Sideline to an interesting fact that opposition supporters may not know about.

The guide contains 264 pages of well written and researched material as well as some outstanding colour photographs that bring the book together. It’s ideal for having around the house before planning that away trip up North or in the car on the way up the motorway.

Whether you’re an armchair expert, or a firm fixture on the terraces, Chris Nelson’s Around The Grounds is your pass through the gates, hearts and minds of the 92 clubs of the English Football league. Broken down by club, the story of each hallowed ground is told, celebrating the victories and commiserating the losses both on and off the pitch, taking in the defining moments as well as the legendary characters that helped to fix each club in the hearts of their supporters.

Combined with essential facts, stats and little-known nuggets of information, and illustrated throughout with full colour photography, this book gives a unique insight into the life and personality of each team and those who support them.

Around the Grounds combines passionate, knowledgeable writing, contemporary design and classic images from past and present, within a practical guide that’s always on the ball. A true football fans companion. Official Description

Thanks to the people at Footprint, I’m pleased to offer readers a 25% discount if they wish to purchase the book themselves. You can order online at www.footprinttravelguides.com or visit this link. To claim the discount, simply enter the word “footie” in the coupon code box at the checkout. The book is also available at other retailers including WH Smith and Waterstones. I’ve found amazon.co.uk to be the cheapest so far though.

Just so you know, Stevenage are on pages 218 and 219.

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August Review

September 6, 2009 Leave a Comment

After a summer full of optimism, Stevenage hosted newly promoted Tamworth at Broadhall Way on the 8th August hoping to start the new season with a bang. However, the Lambs had different ideas and frustrated the Hertfordshire side all afternoon. Stevenage took an early lead thanks to a Lee Boylan penalty, but never really got going and were punished late on in the first half when BBC columnist Bradley Pritchard equalised with a cool finish. It wasn’t the start that Graham Westley had planned, but looking at the start that Tamworth have made since then, it doesn’t look like a bad result.

Hayes & YeadingNext up was a trip to another promoted club, this time Hayes & Yeading. 250+ Boro fans made the trip round the M25 hoping to see the team bounce back and pick up their first win of the season, but again were left frustrated as the Blue Square South play-off winners were the better side and could of won the game late on had it not been for a superb save by Chris Day. Boro actually took the lead with Andy Drury scoring a superb solo goal. Westley’s side again though didn’t take advantage of taking the lead and were caught napping when the impressive Dale Binns roasted Ronnie Henry before crossing for Danny Allen-Page to tap home the equaliser. Another disappointing display.

Barrow away followed the Hayes game. It’s never the easiest trip, but looking back now we really should of won all 3 points there. Since their opening day win against Cambridge, Barrow have won just won game, against Tamworth, losing 4, including yesterday’s 6-1 defeat at home to Rushden & Diamonds. Stevenage put on their best performance, but it wasn’t enough as the lack of a clinical strike force showed at Holker Street.

Ebbsfleet made their way to Broadhall Way next. Boro needed a win badly after 3 straight draws and that first win came with an accomplished display against a woeful Ebbsfleet side. Liam Daish’s team has suffered a lot during the summer and are a shadow of the side they were in previous campaign’s. Goals from Chris Beardsley, Joel Byrom and Lawrie Wilson made sure of the 3 points.

Kassam StadiumAfter a convincing display, Stevenage were now full of confidence as they went to the Kassam Stadium to face leaders Oxford United. The U’s had made a good start and were now favourites to win promotion from the Blue Square Premier. They continued their good start and were too strong for Boro. Alfie Potter opened the scoring with a well timed finish after an Ashley Bayes mistake. An Adam Murray strike sealed the points for the home side before former U’s striker Yemi Odubade hit a consolation for Boro late on.

Rushden were next to visit Broadhall Way and in a fierce encounter. The game will be remembered for the injury to Lawrie Wilson which will probably see the wing back miss the rest of the season. Boro won the game 2-1 with the goals coming from Lee Boylan and Michael Bostwick. Although they won, the performance again was poor and in some ways Westley’s side were lucky to take all 3 points.

Next up on the Bank Holiday weekend came Histon. Boro’s record up there isn’t bad with a win and draw coming from their last 2 visits to the Glassworld Stadium. They kept that record going with a comfortable 2-0 victory with just 10 men for almost 80 mins. Peter Vincenti got sent off early on, although it was a harsh decision. It didn’t affect Stevenage though and goals from Scott Laird and forgotten man Eddie Odhiambo were enough to bring all 3 points back to Herts and move the team into 4th position.

It’s been an up and down start to the season, but what did you expect. I think it’s fair to say that most of Westley’s summer signings haven’t lived up to their expectations just yet, but it’s still early days and I’m confident we’ll see their full potential in the coming months. Westley has already had to use his squad, with plenty of injuries and suspensions hitting the team in the early weeks of the season. The injury to Lawrie Wilson in a big blow, especially as he has arguably been Boro’s star performer over the first month of the season. The home form again has been good with 2 wins and a draw coming from 3 games. If we can get a bit of consistency away from home then staying in the top 5 is a strong possibility. Overall, we haven’t hit top form yet, but it can’t be bad that we’re in contention and our best is yet to come!

Player of the Month: Lawrie Wilson

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Pre-Season 2009: Reviewed

August 3, 2009 1 Comment

A 0-0 draw away at Woking on Saturday afternoon signalled the end of Boro’s pre-season campaign for 2009. Graham Westley’s side played 7 games, winning 3, drawing 2 and losing 2. This year’s campaign has been a lot different to previous pre-season’s at Broadhall Way with the team being much more settled and no trialists featuring at all.

1st half against ChelmsfordPre-Season began with a short trip to Essex and Chelmsford City at Melbourne Park. It was an unfamiliar looking Boro that took to the pitch, but not because of the personnel, but due to the kit. Stevenage sported their black training tops for the first half before reverting to last season’s home strip for the second half. Chelmsford, who nearly were promoted last season began the game stronger and took the lead through former Boro striker Danny Hockton. Minutes later though, the Blue Square Premier side equalised with Charlie Griffin scoring his first goal for the club since signing from Salisbury in May. It was a well worked goal too with good build up play from Drury and Boylan helping set up Griffin to finish comprehensively.

The second half at Chelmsford was a dull affair for most parts, but Boro won the game late on thanks to a Chris Beardsley strike. A good cross field ball by Lawrie Wilson found Beardsley who looped his header past Harrison and into the net. It was a good finish from a striker that has a lot to prove this season.

After a morale boosting victory at Chelmsford, Graham Westley’s side returned to Broadhall Way to entertain Russell Slade’s Brighton & Hove Albion. Boro, again controlled the game and comfortably beat what is an established League 1 side. Stevenage bossed the first half, but went behind against the run of play thanks to a Gary Hart finish. Boro went in at half-time 1-0 down. However, they continued their good performance in the second half and within 10 minutes of the restart, Stevenage equalised with a goal from Mitchell Cole. A further goal from new signing Stacy Long gave Boro the win which made it 2 wins out of 2 games so far.

“Defeat this early to a sharp, lively and energetic Stevenage Borough outfit need not put a dampener on things. The Conference side were good value for their win.” Brighton Argus

A mid-week trip to Cambridge City followed, but it wasn’t the same performance we had come to expect from Westley’s side. The game was a tale of two penalties. First, Lee Boylan put Boro ahead with a well taken spot kick after David Bridges had been brought down. Stevenage couldn’t hold out though and City equalised from the spot when Neil Midgley fired past Bayes. It was the first game of pre-season that Boro had not won.

Peterborough warming upThe next game saw the return of Steve Morison to Broadhall Way. The ex Boro striker received a mixed reception, but it proved to be his day as he scored his first 2 goals for Millwall in a 2-1 victory over his former side. The Stevenage goal coming from Mitchell Cole, who again impressed for the hosts. Millwall didn’t look particularly special, but showed a lot of professionalism in what was at some points a fiery encounter. It wouldn’t of done anyone any harm though to be involved in a competitive fixture at that stage. Next up was the visit of Peterborough United, who in turn had one of Boro’s favourites in their ranks. George Boyd again returned to the ground where it all began, although Posh’s number 10 had a rare off night.

However, even with Boyd not at his best, the Championship side showed their class with a comfortable 2-0 win. Goals from Shaun Batt and Charlie Lee secured their win and condemned Boro to the second straight defeat of the week. The team showed glimpses of quality at some points during the evening, but Peterborough were very professional and could of won by even more had Aaron McLean had his shooting boots on.

After the disappointment of going 3 games without a win, Graham Westley needed to make sure his side finished their pre-season campaign on a high. The visit of Southend United was another tough fixture and many thought it could end up like the Millwall and Peterborough games before it. However, Stevenage started the Southend game superbly and shocked the League 1 side when they took the lead through Joel Byrom. Darren Murphy added another goal 5 minutes later to put Stevenage 2-0 up and cruising. Southend came back into the game slowly and got a consolation through Frank Moussa, but it wasn’t enough and Boro won the game 2-1.

The victory over Southend signalled the end of pre-season for a lot of the ‘first team’ players. It was good that they now go into the opening game against Tamworth with a good victory over league opposition in their minds. For some of the ‘fringe’ players, Woking was their last chance to prove to the manager that they are good enough to be considered for selection against Tamworth. Players like Yemi Odubade, Eddie Odhiambo and even Peter Vincenti started at Kingfield looking to impress the watching management team. The game finished 0-0 and wasn’t the most entertaining of games to see this pre-season.

Overall, Graham Westley will look back at the pre-season campaign and be happy with how his team have performed. The main purpose of it is of course to get fit and sharp for the opening day of the league season and his team look to have done that. Although defeats against Millwall and Peterborough wouldn’t of been nice, they would of been expected and the fact Boro competed with the higher league opposition stands the team in good stead. Wins against Brighton and Southend came as a bonus, but they were well deserved victories and it just shows the potential of what this team can do.

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The season so far…..Part 2

February 12, 2009 Leave a Comment

Boro 3-2 Mansfield15 games and counting. That is all that remains of Stevenage Borough’s 2008/2009 Blue Square Premier campaign. Currently Boro are 3rd in the league after a 10 league game unbeaten run, which has seen them rise from mid-table to play-off challengers. Admittedly the teams around us have games in hand to make the points up and realistically we are still about in 8th or 9th position, but Boro are now looking settled and have put themselves in a position to gatecrash the play-offs come the end of April.

Part one of the season review closed with a 4-1 victory over Burton Albion at Broadhall Way. After that result, another 3 impressive wins were chalked up against Alrincham, Forest Green and Grays. Boro had got over their poor start and were now beginning to look like the side Graham Westley had spoke about pre-season. The team was now scoring goals and had a much more balanced look with the same team being played week in week out. After a good September, which seemed to recover much of the damage done in August, October started with a resounding defeat down in Devon. Boro didn’t turn up and were beaten convincingly by a stronger Torquay side.

After a poor result in Torquay, Boro needed to bounce back to keep the morale high. That they did when Mansfield visited Broadhall Way, live on Setanta. Boro took the lead through a Morison penalty, but allowed the Stags back into the game and within 3 minutes in the second half had gone 2-1 down. Westley’s side though showed character and thanks to goals from Mitchell Cole and Michael Bostwick won the game 3-2. It was a big boost for Stevenage. Inconsistency, which has been Boro’s problem for years, again was in evidence when Boro visited Eastbourne a few days later. More or less the same team didn’t perform anywhere near what they can and were punished late on with the hosts getting a last minute winner. A win at home against Salisbury followed before progress, just, in the FA Cup. Boro beating Horsham after a replay.

November began at a very very wet Kingfield. Woking, who again found themselves at the wrong end of the table hosted Boro for the 15th season in a row. Boro didn’t perform well, but did a professional job to grind out a 1-0 victory thanks to a Peter Vincenti wonder goal. That was as good as November got in what turned out to be a miserable month for the Hertfordshire club. A Cup exit at the Walkers Stadium to Leicester City followed. Boro were outclassed by a Leicester side who should still be in the Championship. Boro then went on a 4 game run where they only picked up 1 point from a possible 12. A home draw against lowly Northwich was followed by 3 straight defeats against Histon, Burton and Wrexham. I expect all 3 will be in the promotion picture at the end of the season.

There was a talk of a crisis at Broadhall Way. Steve Greaves left the club, Dino Maamria replaced him. Daryl McMahon and John Martin were transfer listed as Westley brought in Mark Roberts, Kieron St Aimie and Jordan Parkes. The introduction of Roberts made an immediate impact. Boro started to look more organised at the back and the goals against began to dry up. A poor performance against Lewes kicked off December, but this time Boro won the game 2-0. The worst game I have ever seen was next as Grays Athletic held Boro to a 0-0 draw at BHW. I walked out with 5 minutes still left to play. It was that bad.

After progression in the Trophy against neighbours St Albans, Boro travelled down to Oxford. Predictions of a heavy defeat were being put on BoroChat before hand, but Boro came back with a respectable 1-1 draw. David Bridges getting the Boro goal, on his return from a long spell out injured. That point at the Kassam was a big turning point in Stevenage’s season. A 3-1 win over Rushden was next as the team gave the fans something to celebrate for Christmas. Steve Morison was now beginning to hit form, just as the January transfer window was about to open. 2 days later came another morale boosting point as Westley’s team held rivals Cambridge 1-1 at the Abbey. Scott Rendell opened the scoring early on, but a Mitchell Cole penalty in injury time saved Boro. It felt more like a win than just a draw to be honest.

Slowly confidence was beginning to return to Broadhall Way and the New Year saw more arrivals as Darren Murphy and Jon Ashton joined in the transfer window. Boro were held by Rushden in the return fixture at Nene Park. Steve Morison scored a superb solo goal, but it wasn’t enough to get all 3 points and was cancelled out late on with Sam Smith bundling the ball over the line. A few days later and another victory, this time at home to Lewes. Boro were on another level that day and won the game comfortably. A win over Farnborough in the Trophy set up a home tie against BSP leaders Burton, but before that another win was secured when Boro beat Salisbury 4-2 at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium. Mitchell Cole grabbing himself a hat-trick in an impressive afternoon in Wiltshire. Kettering were the visitors a few days later and although the Poppies took the lead in the first half, Boro dug deep and showed grit and determination to come back and win the game. Darren Murphy and Peter Vincenti with the goals that sent Boro to 3rd in the league.

At the moment Boro are on a roll. 13 games unbeaten in all competitions is an impressive run and Graham Westley and co will be hoping to extend it on Saturday when they travel to Weymouth. If Boro go another 13 games unbeaten, then they may just sneak into the play-offs come May….

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The season so far…..Part 1

September 15, 2008 1 Comment

We are just under a fifth of the way through the season and it’s already been a rollercoaster ride. New manager Graham Westley was in his second spell in charge of the club and had assembled a strong squad. After a good pre-season, expectations were high and the “buzz” was back at Broadhall Way.  That good feeling though had soon disappeared after an opening day hammering at Wrexham. Boro matched their hosts for an hour before Steve Morison was sent off and after that the game became a very one-sided affair. Goals from Tom Kearney, Jefferson Louis, Shaun Whalley, Christian Smith and Marc Williams gave the Welsh side a 5-0 victory. A heavy defeat, individual mistakes, a scrap between new Captain Albrighton and Mills and the sending off of our star striker was not the best start to the new campaign.

Boro needed to bounce back after the defeat at Wrexham and couldn’t have asked for a nicer game to have next. Newly promoted Eastbourne Boro were the first visitors to Broadhall Way and they shocked Boro as they took an early 2-0 lead. Boro didn’t react and although Andy Drury scored with a free-kick, Eastbourne scored again early in the second half after more poor defending and won the game comfortably in the end, 3-1. Not the start that Graham Westley was after. Boro had conceded 8 goals in their opening 2 games, scoring just once from a set-piece. The goals being conceded so far had been down to individual mistakes, mainly from Mark Albrighton, Ashley Bayes and Ronnie Henry. Changes were made for the next game at home to Weymouth.

Luke Oliver replaced the under fire Albrighton who had also relinquished the captaincy to Ronnie Henry. Daryl McMahon and Callum Willock also came back into the team for the visit of John Hollins’ Weymouth. Boro’s first half performance was better and they took the lead through Willock who went through on goal before finishing well. Boro though conceded just minutes later when Michael Malcolm’s deflected shot found its way into Ashley Bayes’ net. Weymouth had got their goal and now set their stall out to defend their point. They did that very professionally and frustrated Boro for the rest of the afternoon. Boro defended better, but lacked a cutting edge up top. Steve Morison’s absence was beginning to show.

Next up for Boro was a trip to FA Trophy holders Ebbsfleet. The trip to Stonebridge Road is never an easy trip, but was made even harder with the squad hit quite severely by injuries, illness and suspension. Trialist Chris Nurse and youngster Dayo Junaid were drafted in to make up the squad of 16. Mark Albrighton returned to the side at right back replacing Eddie Anaclet. Anthony Thomas was partnered up front with Iyseden Christie with Boylan and Morison both unavailable and summer signing Craig Westcarr now mysteriously back at Kettering. Boro put in their worst performance for several years and were soundly beaten 4-0. John Akinde, who had come on as a first half substitute for the injured Ricky Shakes, outclassed the poor Boro defence. He was a class above throughout, scoring 1 and setting up two others. No wonder he has now moved on to Bristol City. Boro had one shot which was high and wide and that summed up their afternoon.

A home game against Crawley on Bank Holiday Monday followed. Steve Evans’ team had made a good start to the season, but Boro needed a response after the shambles in Kent. They performed much better and took a deserved lead thanks to Mitchell Cole. Boro missed other chances as they aimed to kill off the game, but again lacked that finish. A few additions to the team had made a big difference. Chris Day had replaced Ashley Bayes who had made a poor start to his career as Boro’s No 1. Peter Vincenti also came in to the team and gave the midfield more bite. He gave a link between the midfield and attack which was lacking in the previous 4 games. Again Boro were good in the first half, but were lacking in the second. Crawley equalised late on through Glenn Wilson and then settled for a point. 5 games played, 3 defeats, 2 draws. Only not bottom because of Woking’s poor start.

Boro finally got their first win after beating Barrow at Holker Street. Boro put in a good professional performance after going 1-0 down. Goals from Willock, Laird and Lawrie Wilson gave the visitors 3 valuable points. Boro had began to show a bit more bite in attack and the signing of Chris Day had seemed to organise the defence. After a superb victory at Barrow, Boro slumped to a “derby” defeat away at Kettering. The hosts got the early goal through Chris Beardsley and put in a very efficient, organised display to win 1-0. Westley’s side hadn’t played that badly, but again didn’t take their chances and ended up losing for the 4th time this season.

The home game against an injury hit Burton Albion was a good opportunity for Boro to get back to winning ways. At the pre-match 20-20 meeting with the fans, Westley explained that they would be looking to exploit Burton’s left side and get off to an early start. That they did. Lawrie Wilson’s cross from the right found Boylan who volleyed in. Morison then opened his account with a “lucky” goal after he closed down Poole. That gave him confidence and he scored 2 more to complete his hat-trick and earn Boro a well deserved 4-1 victory. Boro had finally put in a complete performance. Next up at BHW was Altrincham. Westley and Boro were looking for a repeat performance from last weeks’ win over Burton. Morison (2) and a goal from Mitchell Cole gave Boro a comfortable win over their inferior opponents.

Overall, Boro have shown promise in their recent performances, but still have a lot of things to work on if they are to live up to their pre-season expectations of promotion. Defensively we still look uncertain, although Chris Day’s presence has improved the recent performances at the back. Steve Morison’s return to form has been a big bonus for the side and they are now looking like a threat going forward. John Martin’s recent inclusion has made a big difference to the side. He gives the midfield more balance and creativity. If things continue to improve as they have done recently and we can keep a settled side then the play-offs may still be on the cards this season.

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Pre-Season Review

August 6, 2008 Leave a Comment

It was just over 3 weeks ago that we played our first pre-season game down at Gillingham. It seems like a lot longer than that. In that time Boro have played 11 games, winning 6, losing 3 and drawing 2. They have scored 30 goals, but have conceded 15. It has been a very intensive time for the players with fitness the main aim of pre-season. Boro played a friendly on average once every 2 days over the last 22 days.

So it all started on a sunny evening in Kent when Boro travelled to League 2 side Gillingham where ex manager Mark Stimson was now in charge as well as 6 members of last seasons squad. The friendly had been set up as part of the compensation package for Stimson’s departure, meaning Boro would get a substancial percentage of the gate receipts. Both clubs played different teams in each half with the first half finishing 0-0 after a youthful looking Boro side had held their own against the much stronger Gills side. Boro then brought out the “big guns” for the second half and took the lead through Steve Morison who lobbed former team mate Julian to open the scoring. Boro out played Gillingham at times and held out to record an impressive first win of pre-season.

Next up was a trip to neighbours Hitchin Town. Boro were 2-0 down at one stage, before goals from Daryl McMahon, Mitchell Cole, Anthony Thomas and again Morison turned the game around in Boro’s favour. The first home game of new manager Graham Westley’s second stint in charge of Stevenage was against one of his former clubs, QPR. The Championship club brought down a strong squad to Broadhall Way and were in second gear for most of the game. Boro were good in patches and certainly held their own against a much better side, but QPR I felt were still on holiday and didn’t have to do much to win the game. Iyseden Christie did net his first goal for the club with a header from a Mitchell Cole cross after he had done well down the left.

George Boyd and Peterborough were Boro’s next test and again they were a class above. In my opinion this was our worst performance of pre-season. We didn’t seem to get going and although I thought Posh didn’t look that impressive themselves, they won the game comfortably. The whole game was disappointing and the goals which were scored by ex Conference strikers Aaron McLean and Scott Rendell were quite scrappy. Boro though returned to form with a slightly weaker team by beating Hendon 4-1 away. Jerome Anderson impressed with a brace and new signings from Kettering, David Bridges and Craig Westcarr opened their Boro account to complete the victory.

Peter Taylor’s Wycombe were the next opponents at Broadhall Way. Wycombe were awful in the first half and Boro took the lead when Anthony Thomas ran onto a Steve Morison throw in and slotted past the Chairboys’ keeper. Stevenage should of extended their lead further on several occasions, but missed their chances which ultimately cost them. Wycombe improved in the second half and goals from Chris Zebroski and Scott McGleish were enough to win the game for the team from Buckinghamshire. A trip to the South coast followed the next day and Boro again stuttered, drawing 2-2 against the Conference South side. Boro’s goals coming from Craig Westcarr and Lee Boylan.

After a disappointing run of results, Boro hit top form destroying Boreham Wood 6-0! Goals from Morison, Anaclet, Boylan, Bostwick and a brace from Mitchell Cole gave Boro a morale boosting victory at Meadow Park. They followed this up with another win away at Northwood. After going 1-0 down Boro replied with 3 goals from Westcarr, Anderson and Wilson to give them a 3-1 win. A team consisting of youth players and “fringe” players seemed to play in the majority of games against non-league opposition, with the games against Hitchin & Boreham Wood the exception.

The last home game of pre-season was against League 1 opposition in the shape of Leyton Orient. This was effectively Boro’s last “first team” game with the game at Slough mostly consisting again of youth or squad players. Boro played well and took the lead through Steve Morison. He ran onto a good through ball by Eddie Anaclet and slotted the ball past Jones. The performance was encouraging as Orient were playing a very strong side as it was their last game before their league season started. You could see the improvement in fitness as very few changes had to be made and the effort throughout remained the same. Orient though did equalise after improving in the second half when Sean Thornton curled a free-kick in past the diving Ashley Bayes, meaning the score finished 1-1. The last pre-season game was away at Slough. After again going 1 nil down, Boro stormed back to win 7-1 with Lee Boylan hitting 5 goals.

Overall, I think we can look back on pre-season as a success. Boro put in a number of impressive performances, most notably away at Gillingham and at home to Orient and seem to be playing some good football at the moment. Quite a number of the new lads have impressed. Anthony Thomas has done well so far. His partnership with Steve Morison has caught the eye and fans will be hoping he can continue that into the league season. Scott Laird looks like a different player at left back and Gary Mills also seems to be a useful player in the midfield with a good range of passing. WIth a relatively new squad, it will take time to gel as a team, but early signs are positive going into the new Conference season.

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