In recent seasons Stevenage have made massive progress through the football pyramid, establishing themselves as regulars in England’s football league. Having played 16 consecutive seasons in the Conference (1994-5 – 2009-10), lightning struck twice as the team won consecutive promotions to League 1; whence began a magnificent FA Cup run which saw The Boro take Tottenham Hotspur to a 5th round replay at White Hart Lane.
Relegated from League 1 after a three year spell campaign Stevenage began the 2014/15 season in League 2 under new manager Graham Westley and have begun the new campaign confidently. Although shocked in the FA Cup by 7th tier Maidstone, The Boro occupy a comfortable mid-table position with 19 of 46 games played, sitting 10 points above Tranmere Rovers in the first relegation spot.
Saturday (13 December), will see Stevenage face Welsh side Newport. The Boro (a generous 11/4 at Coral), have been challenged by their manager to display more of their typical “formidable” selves, with higher levels of “fitness and energy”. A win against close peers Newport (also recently promoted from the Conference) would provide a confidence boost at keep the team in touching distance of the coveted play-off positions.
In fact, The Boro’s December fixture list sees them play four teams within six points of them in League 2. After Newport the team will face 8th placed Exeter, early strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge (currently 20th with 21 points), before finally facing closely placed Cambridge (10th, 27 points) on 28 December.
With several crunch games upcoming; Boro fans might be advised to check out Coral’s new mobile app, which makes it easier than ever to place bets on the move. The app provides full access to Coral’s entire sportsbook; including advance and in-play markets on everything from Champions League to the Conference matches and much more. Be sure to check it out to find the best odds on all league football, and regular special offers, including free bets and enhanced multiples. If you needed any more incentive should look to the current Christmas Coral promotion is in the process of giving away over £500,000 in prize draws, including luxury holidays!
A two week break from fixtures (ending with Sunday’s game vs Newport) has led manager Westley to run what he describes as a “mini pre-season”, to reintegrate several long term injuries back into the first team. The period has also been used to focus on endurance training as Boro seek to end a run of late slumps which has seen them drop nine points from winning or drawing positions so far this term.
December fixtures have a habit of making or breaking a club’s season, and a strong run of results against close peers would lay down a marker for the remainder of the year. Remember, should you want to financially back the mighty Boro; Coral offer great odds and regular special offers – and with their new mobile app you can even place in-play bets from inside Broadhall Way!
