FC Boro

Stevenage will face Cambridge over two legs as they aim to make the Blue Square Premier Play-off Final for the second time in 4 years. Although Boro were beaten at Field Mill by Mansfield, Kidderminster’s 1-0 defeat at home to Kettering confirmed that Graham Westley’s side finished in 5th place with 81 points. It is quite an achievement considering the poor start we had and the fact that it is still a relatively newly assembled team. Stevenage have only been beaten twice since November and it is that record that has propelled them up the league. Coupled with a Trophy run that will see Boro play York City at Wembley on the 9th May, it has been a fantastic 2009 so far for the club.

Thanks to Kettering’s victory at Aggborough, Stevenage secured 5th even though they were beaten late on at Mansfield. Things were going well until Scott Garner put the Stags ahead with 20 minutes to play. At this stage Boro were still heading for the play-offs with 81 points as Kiddy were being held at home by Kettering. This meant that Kiddy could only accumulate 80 points. 5 minutes from time, Scott Laird equalised to send the 750+ Boro fans wild. Boro were now back 2 points clear of Kidderminster, who were still drawing with the Poppies. However if Kidderminster scored then a point would not of been enough for the Hertfordshire side. Torquay secured their place, beating Champions Burton 2-1 at Plainmoor. Disaster then struck as Aaron O’Connor hit an 88th minute winner that meant Boro would have to pray that Kettering could keep Kidderminster quiet at Aggborough. They did better than that, going up the other end and scoring, giving them a 1-0 win. That result secured Stevenage’s 5th position, 2 points clear of 6th place Kidderminster.

Them last few minutes were agony as we were waiting for a result from Kidderminster. They must be gutted knowing that if they had done their job, then it would of been them facing Cambridge on Thursday in the Blue Square Play-offs. In the end though it is another season in this poxy league for Mark Yates’ side. If they can keep the nucleus of their squad together, then I wouldn’t be surprised to see them challenging again next season. Boro now have a possible four cup finals remaining this season.

It’s amazing to think that if we win our next four games, then we will be promoted to the football league as FA Trophy winners. However, it could also end just like Torquay’s season did last season. The Gulls made the FA Trophy final last season, but were beaten by Ebbsfleet. They were then knocked out the Play-off semi-finals by rivals Exeter City, who went on to be promoted, beating Cambridge United at Wembley. I think we can do it, but it will be extremely difficult. It’s not been made any easier, with Mitchell Cole now suspended for the next 3 games after being stupidly sent off at Mansfield. I expect to see Junior Mendes come in on the left for the next 3 games. If he performs well, then there maybe a contract for him come the end of the season?

Getting in the play-offs is a massive achievement for the team. It’s a huge opportunity for them to progress into the football league. All they have to do is win their next 3 league games. We can do that!