2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season

• Manager: Graham Westley
• Assistant manager: John Dreyer
• First team coach: Dino Maamria
• Goalkeeping coach: Ali Uzunhasanoglu
• Fitness coach: Neil Withington
• Physiotherapist: Paul Dando

On 3 June, Stevenage Borough announced that their pre-season campaign would consist of seven friendlies to open the 2009–10 season.[21] Stevenage Borough began their pre-season schedule on 15 July with a trip to Melbourne Stadium in Essex to play Chelmsford City. All five of Graham Westley's summer signings featured in the match, with both Charlie Griffin and Chris Beardsley getting on the scoresheet in a 2–1 victory. Three days later Borough hosted League One outfit Brighton & Hove Albion in their first pre-season friendly at Broadhall Way. Stevenage won the game 2–1 despite trailing at the half-time interval. Second-half goals from Mitchell Cole and Stacy Long secured the turn-around and a second pre-season victory. With their pre-season schedule well underway, Stevenage then travelled to Southern League Premier Division side Cambridge City for their third pre-season friendly on 21 July. The game ended 1–1, with both sides scoring a penalty a-piece; Lee Boylan successfully converting after David Bridges was adjudged to have been fouled in the penalty area.

Stevenage then hosted three Football League sides at Broadhall Way within the space of six days. Firstly, Borough entertained Millwall on 25 July as part of the £130,000 deal that took ex-Stevenage striker Steve Morison to The Den in May 2009.[30] Stevenage lost the game 2–1, with a goal from Mitchell Cole sandwiched in between two from Morison for Millwall. Borough then hosted Peterborough United, who annually visit Broadhall Way as part of the deal that took winger George Boyd to the Cambridgeshire based club in January 2007.[31] Stevenage lost the game 2–0, with Shaun Batt, who came through the youth system at Stevenage, scoring one of the goals. Borough midfielder Mitchell Cole was also stretchered off with an ankle injury in the first half of the same game.[32] Later that week, it was announced that utility player Peter Vincenti had gone on a three-month loan deal to recently relegated Conference South side Woking.[33] On 31 July, Stevenage played League One club Southend United. Stevenage won the game 2–1, with two first half goals from Joel Byrom and Darren Murphy. The following day, Stevenage played out a 0–0 draw with Conference South side Woking in their final pre-season fixture. Despite joining Woking on-loan, Peter Vincenti featured for his parent club, whilst former Mansfield Town winger Nathan Arnold also played a part in the match. However, it was announced that Vincenti's loan deal to Woking had fallen through after Borough boss Graham Westley decided he wants to keep the player as cover.[33] On 3 August, Championship side Peterborough United announced that left-back Danny Blanchett would start a two-day trial at Broadhall Way.[34] On 5 August, just three days before the start of the new Conference Premier campaign, striker Jerome Anderson joined Southern League Premier Division outfit Brackley Town on loan.[35] On 7 August, Westley announced that Stevenage had signed Danny Blanchett on loan from Peterborough United.

• Note: Stevenage Borough goals come first.

The 2009–10 Conference Premier fixtures were released on 3 July 2009, with Stevenage Borough to open their campaign against Conference North champions Tamworth on 8 August 2009.[36] The game ended 1–1, with Stevenage taking the lead early on in the first-half thanks to a Lee Boylan penalty after Scott Laird was adjudged to have been fouled in the box. Tamworth equalised before the interval courtesy of a Bradley Pritchard strike. Manager Graham Westley handed debuts to Stacy Long, Charlie Griffin, Yemi Odubade and Joel Byrom during the game, with the latter being sent-off after receiving a second caution in the closing stages of the match.[37]

This was followed up with another 1–1 draw at newly promoted Conference South play-off winners Hayes and Yeading on 11 August. Stevenage opened the scoring in the second-half through midfielder Andy Drury, but were pegged back ten minutes later following good work from ex-Borough winger Dale Binns, who set-up Danny Allen-Page to finish from close range. Stevenage then drew their third game within the space of a week, playing out a 0-0 stalemate with Barrow at Holker Street. Three days later, Borough recorded their first win of the 2009–10 season, with a 3–0 victory over Ebbsfleet United at Broadhall Way. Chris Beardsley scored on his debut after just 10 minutes, with Joel Byrom and Lawrie Wilson adding to Stevenage's tally courtesy of two second-half goals.[38] Stevenage lost their first game of the season on 22 August, losing 2–1 against Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium, with Yemi Odubade scoring his first goal for Borough deep into injury-time. A week later, Stevenage beat Rushden & Diamonds 2–1, with goals from Lee Boylan and Michael Bostwick after Cliff Akurang had equalised for the away side. The visitors played the majority of the game with 10-men, having had Michael Corcoran sent-off for a tackle on Lawrie Wilson, which resulted in the latter suffering a dislocated ankle and broken leg in three places.[39][40] The Hertfordshire side then gained their first away win of the season two days later, with a 2–0 victory against Histon despite playing the majority of the game with ten men after Peter Vincenti was sent-off in the sixth minute for violent conduct. However, goals from both Scott Laird and Eddie Odhiambo secured the three points. Daniel Wright also missed a penalty for the home side late on.[41] This was followed up with a third successive victory against Eastbourne Borough at Broadhall Way eight days later. Jon Ashton scored his first goal in Stevenage colours, heading in from Joel Byrom's corner. Ronnie Henry then doubled the home side's lead in the second-half following good work from Mitchell Cole.[42]

A fourth successive victory followed four days later as Stevenage ran out 3–2 winners at Field Mill against Mansfield Town, ending Mansfield's unbeaten home record in 2009.[43] The home side went 2–0 up thanks to two goals from Kyle Perry in the first fifteen minutes. Perry was then sent-off for violent conduct just before half-time; stamping on Stevenage striker Lee Boylan ultimately resulting in the latter having to be substituted. Chris Beardsley pulled a goal back for the visitors in first-half injury time, before substitutes Yemi Odubade and Charlie Griffin scored second-half strikes to complete the comeback.[44] A week later, a fifth successive win followed as a Michael Bostwick strike seven minutes into the game was enough to ensure Stevenage beat Chester City 1–0 at the Deva Stadium.[45] The following Tuesday, Stevenage drew 1–1 with Essex outfit Grays Athletic. Petar Rnkovic gave the visitors the lead fifteen minutes into the match, with Lee Boylan equalising later on in the first-half.[46] Another home draw followed, as Stevenage drew 1–1 with Altrincham. New signing Michael Brough started, after joining the club on a month's loan.[47] Robbie Williams gave the away side the lead in the first half before Michael Bostwick scored an injury-time equaliser following good work down the left-hand side from Scott Laird to ensure Stevenage stretched their unbeaten home record to 23 games.[48] After two successive draws, Stevenage beat Luton Town 1–0 at Kenilworth Road thanks to an 85th-minute strike from Scott Laird, who fired into the top right hand corner of the net on the over-lap.[49] Stevenage made it nine games unbeaten with a hard-fought 1–1 draw against York City at Bootham Crescent. Borough took the lead through a Daniel Parslow own goal in the first-half, before the home side equalised late on in the second period through Djoumin Sangaré.

The Hertfordshire outfit made it 10 games unbeaten with a 4–0 victory over Hayes & Yeading. Striker Charlie Griffin scored twice in the first-half, and completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 70th minute. Michael Bostwick added a fourth in injury-time.[50] Another victory followed a week later, as Stevenage beat Salisbury City 3–1 at Broadhall Way. Mark Roberts scored his first goal of the season on his 50th appearance for the club just before the interval, before the visitors levelled through substitute Chris Flood after half-time. Charlie Griffin scored his fourth goal in two games to give the Hertfordshire outfit the lead, before Chris Beardsley added a third with his first touch after good work from Yemi Odubade.[51] Three days later, the side drew 0–0 with Wrexham at Broadhall Way.[52] Another draw followed 10 days later, as Stevenage drew 1–1 with Kettering Town at Rockingham Road. Joel Byrom gave Borough the lead courtesy of a second-minute free-kick. The home side equalised in the latter stages of the first-half through Moses Ashikodi to ensure a share of the spoils.[53] After a two-week break from the league, Stevenage got back to winning ways with a 5–3 win over Gateshead at Broadhall Way. The visitors took the lead seven minutes before half-time, Charlie Griffin heading into his own net following Craig Baxter's dangerous free-kick. Two minutes later Griffin atoned for his error by finishing neatly over Paul Farman. Stevenage took the lead five minutes later; Mitchell Cole providing Yemi Odubade with a simple tap-in; his first goal at Broadhall Way. On the stroke of half-time Griffin headed in Scott Laird's inviting cross to ensure a two-goal lead going into the break. However, the away side pulled a goal back through Daryl Clare, before Griffin completed his hat-trick with a drilled free-kick that went in off the post. Clare pounced on a fumbled free-kick to make it 4–3, before Michael Bostwick scored his fifth goal of the season to make it 5–3.[54] Stevenage then travelled to The New Lawn to face Forest Green Rovers a week later. Lee Boylan's fourth-minute goal ultimately proved to be the winner as Borough ran out 1–0 winners.[55]

This was followed up with a 2–0 mid-week victory over Chester City at Broadhall Way. In what was a comfortable, but unspectacular, game, Stevenage took the lead through Yemi Odubade, who fired in following Mark Roberts' knock down just before half-time. Borough doubled their lead on the hour mark, with Mark Roberts firing home with his back to goal in the box.[56] Four days later, Stevenage won their fourth consecutive league game with a 1–0 win away at Salisbury City, with Charlie Griffin scoring just before half-time.[57] Borough suffered a second league defeat at the hands of Ebbsfleet United at Stonebridge Road. Stevenage took the lead through a deflected effort from Yemi Odubade, but two second-half strikes from Stefan Bailey secured the home side a valuable victory.[58] Four days later, Stevenage returned to winning ways with a 2–0 victory over Kidderminster Harriers at Broadhall Way, with goals from Jon Ashton and Mitchell Cole.[59]

As a result of a postponed league fixture at home to Barrow due to snow, which was originally scheduled to be played on 19 December, Borough did not play again in the league again until Boxing Day, away at Cambridge United. Despite going a goal behind early on, Stevenage won the match 3–1. A Danny Crow penalty in the sixth minute put the hosts in front after Mark Albrighton was deemed to have tugged Chris Holroyd's shirt in the box. Borough responded well and, twenty minutes later, earned a penalty of their own when Yemi Odubade was sliced down in the box. The striker dusted himself down and duly tucked away the spot-kick to draw the visitors level. A minute later, Cambridge were reduced to ten men, when Wayne Hatswell was sent-off for a two-footed lunge on Chris Beardsley. Stevenage took the lead ten minutes into the second-half when Charlie Griffin slotted home from an acute angle, before Chris Beardsley added a third with a neat finish after good work from Ronnie Henry.[60] Two days later, the side drew 0–0 with AFC Wimbledon at Broadhall Way.[61]

On 1 January 2010, Borough entertained Cambridge United in the reverse fixture from Boxing Day. The game ended 4–1 to Stevenage, with Yemi Odubade, Chris Beardsley and a Lee Boylan brace ensuring the home side earned a comfortable win.[7] Three weeks later, Stevenage beat Kettering Town 2–0 at Broadhall Way. Borough took the lead just after the hour mark when substitute Tim Sills headed the ball into the path of Stacy Long, who rifled the ball past Nathan Abbey from just outside the area. Long doubled his tally in injury-time, rounding Abbey to slide the ball home.[62] Stevenage lost their third league match of the season at The Lamb Ground; a 1–0 defeat to Tamworth, a game in which both Ronnie Henry and Darren Murphy were sent-off.[63] Three days later, Borough bounced back with a 3–1 victory over Mansfield Town at Broadhall Way. Stevenage trailed at the interval thanks to a Jon Shaw strike just before half-time. But Yemi Odubade, who also missed a late penalty, fired Borough level from 15 yards after the break and his low drive from the edge of the box gave Borough the lead. Substitute Andy Drury's strike sealed the win and Mansfield's misery was complete when Luke Jones was sent off.[64] Stevenage lost their second successive away game, losing 1–0 at Rushden & Diamonds.[65] Ten days later, Borough picked up a 1–0 win in North Wales against Wrexham thanks to a goal from David Bridges just before the interval.[66]

A week later, at the beginning of March, Stevenage won their second away game on the bounce; beating Eastbourne Borough 6–0. Captain Mark Roberts gave Stevenage the lead just before the break, following a well-worked free-kick involving both Joel Byrom and Scott Laird. After the interval, Stevenage doubled their lead when David Bridges headed in Joel Byrom's cross. It was three shortly after following a mistake from Eastbourne goalkeeper Danny Knowles, Chris Beardsley blocked the goalkeepers clearance and slid the ball into an empty net. It got worse for the home side ten minutes from time when Beardsley chased a long through ball and was hauled down by Darren Baker just inside the area – the defender being shown a straight red. Substitute Mitchell Cole slotted the penalty home, before adding another after good work from Eddie Odhiambo. Cole completed his hat-trick moments later slotting home Stacy Long's through ball.[67] A third successive victory followed in a 2–0 win at home to Crawley Town. In a tight game, Stevenage took the lead just after the interval thanks to a rasping effort from Michael Bostwick after a well-worked corner. A second goal came deep into injury-time, Chris Beardsley countering and setting up Lee Boylan to slide the ball into the net.[68] Three days later, Stevenage beat Barrow 4–0 to ensure a fourth consecutive win. In a tight first half, the home side took the lead through Yemi Odubade. Borough doubled their lead shortly before the interval; left-back Scott Laird firing the ball home. Odubade then scored his second after countering a Barrow corner, and subsequently completed his hat-trick late on with an effort drilled high into the net.[69] Stevenage recorded their fifth straight win, beating Histon 1–0 at Broadhall Way. Jon Ashton scored the only goal of the game when he swept home Stacy Long's corner.[70]

A week later, Stevenage travelled to Essex to play Grays Athletic. The game ended 2–1 to Stevenage, despite the home side leading at the interval through a Jamie Guy strike. Stevenage turned it around in the second half, with goals from Michael Bostwick and Charlie Griffin.[71] Stevenage followed this up with another away win four days later at Crawley Town; winning the match 3–0. Stevenage started brightly and scored within the first five minutes; Yemi Odubade latching onto David Bridges through ball to slot home. The visitors doubled their lead on the half hour mark, this time Tim Sills was the provider, as Odubade scored his second. Joel Byrom scored Stevenage's third in the second half, picking up the ball a yard inside the Crawley half and chipped Simon Rayner in goal.[72] Stevenage then followed this up with an eighth consecutive victory, beating Oxford United 1–0 at Broadhall Way. The only goal of the game came seven minutes into the second half, David Bridges was fouled in the area by Chris Hargreaves; Scott Laird stepped up and subsequently scored to ensure the home side earned three points.[73] Four days later, Stevenage lost 1–0 to Luton Town thanks to a Matthew Barnes-Homer goal in the second half.[74] Stevenage bounced back just two days later on Easter Monday, with a 3–0 victory over AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow. The away side took the lead in the ninth minute; Mark Roberts bundling home a Joel Byrom corner after Tim Sills had knocked the ball down. Just two minutes later, Stevenage doubled their lead, again Byrom was the provider, and his lofted ball was met on the half-volley by Lawrie Wilson, who lashed the ball home – making his first start since breaking his leg in August. Stevenage rounded off the victory in injury-time, substitute Eddie Odhiambo slotting the ball home from Charlie Griffin's cross.[75] Stevenage then faced Forest Green Rovers at Broadhall Way five days later; the game ended 2–0 to Stevenage. The home side took the lead in the tenth minute; Tim Sills broke the offside trap and set up Joel Byrom to lash the ball home. Stevenage doubled their lead in the second half when substitute David Bridges was brought down in the area. Scott Laird calmly stepped up and stroked the ball into the net.[76] A third win followed four days later, when Stevenage beat Altrincham 1–0 in a tight encounter at Moss Lane. Substitute Charlie Griffin scored the only goal of the game in the 83rd minute; Altrincham goalkeeper Russell Saunders fumbled the ball into the path of Griffin who placed his shot in-between the goalkeeper and the post to ensure a valuable three points to the visitors.[77]

Three days later, Stevenage secured promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history with victory against Kidderminster Harriers at Aggborough. Borough won the game 2–0, and took the lead within the space of 70 seconds when Charlie Griffin fired a free-kick past Kidderminster goalkeeper Jasbir Singh. Joel Byrom scored the second 15 minutes into the second half; winning the ball in midfield before cutting inside and curling his effort past the goalkeeper.[8] A fifth straight win, and clean sheet, followed just three days later as Stevenage travelled up to Tyne and Wear and picked up all three points against Gateshead. The only goal of the game was scored from the penalty spot by Scott Laird after Gateshead's Phil Turnbull was deemed to have handballed in the area.[78] The club bowed out of the Conference Premier with a 1–0 win against York City; the team's sixth win on the bounce without conceding a goal. The only goal of the game came ten minutes before the interval when Chris Beardsley's high cross evaded the York defence and David Bridges was on hand to head the ball into the net.[79] The win means that Stevenage amassed a total of 99 points from 44 games; finishing 11 points clear at the top of the league table. Had Stevenage's two victories against Chester City not been expunged, the club would have ended the season with 105 points – a Conference Premier record for the number of points accumulated.[80]

The draw for the 2009–10 FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying was made on 12 October, with Stevenage Borough being drawn away to Conference South outfit Chelmsford City.[88] The game ended 2–1 to Stevenage, despite the visitors trailing for the majority of the game thanks to Rob Edmans goal in the first-half. Charlie Griffin equalised on the hour mark, heading in Scott Laird's cross, before substitute Peter Vincenti scored a 93rd-minute winner after neat work from Yemi Odubade to ensure that Borough progress to the First Round proper.[89][90] The following day, the draw for the First Round of the FA Cup was made, with Stevenage facing another away trip, this time at League Two outfit Port Vale.[91] The game ended 1–1, with Charlie Griffin scoring an injury-time equaliser to take the game to a replay. Adam Yates had given the League Two side the lead just before half-time, before Griffin converted Mitchell Cole's cross one minute into the added-on time.[92] The replay was played at Broadhall Way on 17 November, which Port Vale won 1–0 thanks to a Louis Dodds header in the first-half.[93]

• Note: Stevenage Borough goals come first.

The FA Trophy First Round draw was made on 23 November; with Stevenage being handed a home tie against fellow Conference Premier outfit Ebbsfleet United.[94] The game was played on 12 December 2009, with Stevenage winning the game 2–0 to progress into the second round. Borough took the lead after just thirteen minutes, a Stacy Long free-kick was played short to Mitchell Cole, who in-turn squared the ball across to Chris Beardsley to side foot home. The home side doubled their lead through David Bridges late on after good work from substitute Yemi Odubade.[95]

The draw for the second round of the FA Trophy was made on 14 December 2009, with Stevenage being handed another home tie, this time against Conference North side Vauxhall Motors. Stevenage won the match 6–0. First half goals from Mark Roberts and Lee Boylan gave Borough a two-goal lead going into the interval. After the break, David Bridges scored twice in quick succession, before Andy Drury hit a swerving drive from 25 yards and Stacy Long scored his first goal in Borough colours with a neat chip.[96] The victory means Stevenage face Conference South outfit Dover Athletic at Broadhall Way on 30 January. Stevenage won the match 4–1. The visitors took the lead midway through the first-half courtesy of Shaun Welford's close range effort. Shortly after, Borough equalised through Tim Sills, his first goal for the Hertfordshire side, who threw himself at Chris Beardsley's cross to restore parity. Just before half-time, Stevenage were ahead; Chris Beardsley slotting home after a mistake from Dover's Ollie Schulz. Michael Bostwick made it three just after, before substitute Yemi Odubade added a fourth; volleying home Stacy Long's cross.[97]

On 1 February 2010, Stevenage were drawn at home to Conference North outfit Workington, with the game to be played on 20 February. Stevenage won the match 2–1; two goals from Stacy Long ensuring Borough come from a goal behind to progress into the two legged semi-final of the competition – where they faced Kidderminster Harriers.[98]

On 13 March, the first leg at Aggborough ended 5–1 to Stevenage. Borough took the lead halfway into the first half when David Bridges latched onto a Michael Bostwick cross. Kidderminster equalised shortly after through defender Gavin Caines who drove the ball home from the edge of the area. However, it was not level for long, Mitchell Cole beat his full-back for pace and squared the ball to Yemi Odubade, who bundled the ball home. It was three before the interval; Bridges scoring again, heading in a perfectly weighted Joel Byrom cross. Chris Beardsley scored a second half brace to ensure a four-goal cushion for the Hertfordshire side going into the second leg at Broadhall Way. His first came when he met an Andy Drury delivery; his initial effort cannoned off the crossbar, but he was on hand to head in the rebound. His second came when he dispossessed Martin Riley on the touchline, cut in and curled the ball into the corner of the net.[99] The second leg took place a week later at Broadhall Way, which ended 0–0 – ultimately meaning Stevenage progressed to the final at Wembley Stadium after winning 5–1 on aggregate over the two legs.[100]

Stevenage faced Barrow in the final on 8 May 2010. Stevenage lost the match 2–1 after extra–time. Despite taking an early lead through Andy Drury's curling effort, Stevenage were faced with an uphill task after having David Bridges sent–off midway through the first half. Barrow pressed for an equaliser; and subsequently scored ten minutes from time – substitute Lee McEvilly heading the ball home unmarked in the area. Jason Walker scored the winner in extra–time with a curling strike.[101]

• Note: Stevenage Borough goals come first.