We’re acutely aware that pretty much everyone is just about ready to make the trip north to Sheffield. It is with this in mind that this preview could appear rushed, but we feel it is going to make compelling reading. It could also be the last preview of the season… but we are very hopeful that it is, of course, not the case.
Much fuss has been made over what was a quite exciting ending to the Premier League as Manchester City pillaged a winner deep into Fergie time to secure the title. But Stevenage have been dealing in exciting end-of-season escapades for four seasons now. Making history, not living in it.
And such escapades have reached yet another giant height, with the impending resolution of the League One playoff against Sheffield United. Our team have already exceeded most expectations and generated huge pride, but that’s not ever enough for the lads as we know from experience and sentiment.
The goalless draw on Friday night puts the hosts in the box seat this evening, there is little doubt about that. Indeed, the bookies give Stevenage a token chance of completing the job – more later. But while we can’t ever hope to compete with fanbases and resources at this present time, we more than make up for it in terms of determination, vigour and heart.
Sheffield United came to the Lamex Stadium on Friday determined not to lose. Their only tactic was to spoil the fluent Boro’ we’ve seen of late. It worked and it does put them in the ascendency, with no away goals in the playoffs. But we scored two up there recently and it is entirely possible we can do so again.
Boro’s away record in playoffs isn’t too shoddy but it is somewhat sullied by the Cambridge United result in years past. Two 1-0 victories (Hereford and Accrington). Is that sufficient reason to be cheerful heading to Sheffield? We would take a 1-0 – but the ticker might give out long before the final whistle.
Back to the bookies then. Boylesports are currently your best bet for an away victory, with 4/1 being their price. In contrast, the hosts are – at best – 5/6 with Ladbrokes and another draw is 11/4 at Skybet. The home side also dominates the first goalscorer lists, with Patrick Agyemang the shortest priced Boro’ man at nines with Paddy Power. It’s a sign if ever we saw one. LINKY: Here.
Finally, onto the Team Tarot. We suspect 4-4-2 will be cast aside for tonight’s trip, with the return of Robin Shroot – probably at Reidy’s expense – in a 4-5-1 formation that can easily move to 4-4-1-1. Maybe even 4-3-2-1 with Freeman linking up with Shrooty behind Patrick Agyemang up top? However, we line up, god speed Boro’ and COYB etc…
