Brentford Preview

Boro are back in action tomorrow night as Brentford visit Broadhall Way in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Stevenage’s last action in this competition came back in the 2005/2006 season when Graham Westley’s side lost 2-0 at Swindon Town. This was back in the days when the Football League Trophy, to give it its full title, allowed the top teams from the Conference to enter, but Boro never did that well in it in the four seasons they participated in it.

Stevenage’s first foray into the then called LDV Vans Trophy was back in the 2001/2002 season. Boro drew Southend United at home and were comfortably beaten 4-1. Jean-Michel Sigere getting the Boro consolation. A season later, Stevenage were again drew at home. This time it was Swansea City and Boro pulled off one of the shocks of the round, beating the Welsh side 2-1 thanks to goals from Kirk Jackson and Richard Pacquette. Wayne Turner’s side drew Luton in the next round and were beaten 4-3 in a thrilling game. A season later it was Stevenage v Luton round 2. The Bedfordshire side came out on top again, winning the game 1-0.

The following season saw Boro draw local rivals Barnet in an all Conference tie. An under strength Stevenage went down 3-1 at Underhill with Anthony Elding grabbing Boro’s goal. The 05/06 season saw Stevenage make their first trip outside of Hertfordshire in the competition as they travelled down to Swindon. Boro failed to repeat their Cup exploits of 1998, ending up losing the game 2-0 in front of just 1771 at the County Ground.

So, what will 2010 bring in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and more to the point is anyone really that bothered?

Brentford are currently bottom of League 1, but will be taking the game seriously as they aim to get back on track. The Bees lost 3-1 at home at the weekend against newly promoted Rochdale, with former Boro striker Anthony Elding getting on the score sheet. Whilst they are yet to record a victory in the League, Brentford are going well in the Carling Cup. They’ve beaten both Cheltenham and Hull so far to progress into the 3rd round, where they will host Everton at Griffin Park.

As for Boro, they go into the game looking to get back to winning ways after the draw against Aldershot at the weekend. I’m not sure how seriously we are taking the competition, so it could be a chance for a few of the “fringe” players to go out and impress. Charlie Griffin will miss the game as he went off with a “serious concussion” on Saturday. Griffin’s absence may prompt GW to giving Tim Sills a start or recalling Peter Vincenti to the squad. John Mousinho is also in line to face his former club.

I won’t be going down to BHW myself, but there will be LIVE text updates from the game on here, similar to what I’ve done previously for a couple of the reserve games and friendlies. I’m sure it will still be a good game, even though neither side will be particularly bothered if they end up on the losing side.