Rushden Preview

Boro’s Christmas and New Year programme begins at Broadhall Way on Boxing Day when they host Rushden & Diamonds. With Stevenage now unbeaten in the last 4 games in all competitions, there is a genuine reason for Boro to be optimistic going into the game against another one of the pre-season favourites. Rushden have had a similar season to ourselves. The Diamonds’ problem has been inconsistency because on their day they have the squad to beat anyone in this division and the fact that they had Leon Knight, Daryl Clare and Lee Phillips all on their books at some point this season shows what sort of calibre of player the Northamptonshire club can attract.

Graham Westley has a few selection decisions to make ahead of this clash. Gary Mills is available again after missing the Oxford game through suspension, but may miss out after good performances from both Michael Bostwick and David Bridges at the Kassam Stadium. I’d expect Lee Boylan to partner Steve Morison again up front with Mitchell Cole and Lawrie Wilson assisting on the flanks. Mark Roberts should be partnered in defence again by Mark Albrighton which means Luke Oliver will again be on the bench.

“I had three or four brief, but very enjoyable months at Rushden. We won a lot of points and won a lot of games, everything seemed to go for us, it was a really enjoyable time. It’s a good club and I have a lot of friends there from the short time I had.” Graham Westley on his time at Nene Park

Rushden are sweating on the fitness of striker Lee Phillips, formerly of Exeter and Torquay. Striking options are limited at the moment as Daryl Clare has also been ruled out due to personal problems and Leon Knight was sacked by the club earlier in the month. Andy Burgess is also out after a recent eye injury.

I expect both sides to be up for the game and if Boro can get a win here then it would be the perfect start to the busy holiday period. Cambridge is just 2 days after the Rushden game, so confidence will be needed before the visit to the Trade Recruitment Stadium. It will be a tight game and if players like Mitchell Cole and Steve Morison are in form, it could be them who win the match for Boro.

Prediction: Boro 2-1 Rushden