The first game of 2009 sees Stevenage make the short trip to Nene Park to face Rushden & Diamonds, the team Boro beat 3-1 just 6 days ago. Rushden haven’t played since that game and the atmosphere in and around the club is not good, with many fans calling for manager Garry Hill to be sacked. Even during the game at Broadhall Way on Boxing Day some of the travelling support were booing their own players and even went as far as calling for Graham Westley to come back as manager, which if you ask me was a step to far!

While Rushden have had a rest since Boxing Day, Boro faced local rivals Cambridge just two days later, where they earned a respectable point. It will be interesting to see what role the fitness levels will play on New Year’s Day. Rushden should be the fresher of the two teams and that could make the difference, especially in the latter stages. At Broadhall Way, Rushden struggled defensively, with Leo Roget in particular having an off day. Two of Stevenage’s goals where defensive mistakes which shouldn’t happen at this level. I can’t see Hill sticking with Roget at the back so expect changes there. Hill will also be looking for more from his attacking unit at home as they never really looked clinical enough.

Graham Westley may be able to recall both Steve Morison and Lee Boylan for the Rushden game after they missed the trip to the ground formerly known as the Abbey Stadium on Sunday. Morison had a “twinge” and wasn’t risked while Boylan had a virus, but both should be available again. If both are fit then I think they’ll both come straight back after impressive performances on Boxing Day. Willock looked toothless against Cambridge and doesn’t seem to win much in the air, which under Westley is imperative. Mitchell Cole will replace Anaclet on the left if Moro and Boylan return. Darren Murphy could also make his Boro debut, but after recent good performances from both Bridges and Bostwick then he may have to settle for a place on the bench.

“If you can win your home games and draw your away games then you are never in a bad position and we’ve taken that attitude over the Christmas period. We know we’ve got to win a lot of points between now and the end of the season to give ourselves a chance of honours but sometimes you have to be patient in games and just make sure that you take something from it.” Graham Westley

It is definately a winnable game and we saw that on Boxing Day. Rushden, though are a different team at Nene Park and will attack from the kick off in front of their own fans. Boro have drawn on their last two visits in the league and won 3-0 there earlier in the season in the Setanta Shield. It should be another entertaining game and one which Boro will hopefully win to extend their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions.

Prediction: Rushden 1-2 Boro