The dizzying heights of seventh, eh? It’s the highest we have been in the table for some time, and – from up here – we can see the world. Well, Hitchin. At least. Not for the first time this week, we throw open the doors of the homestead to a side mucking about at the wrong end of the table. For us, it’s a chance to extend our unbeaten run to an epic eight games. In doing so, it would almost certainly help us cement recent gains. It’d also let us lean a little heavier on Luton before next week’s trip across the county border – passport ‘n all.
First, however, let’s deal with more pressing matters – the visit of Notts County. Up until around a month ago, the Magpies seemed somewhat unfussed towards the prospect of pissing away 130 years of Football League heritage. A nice little turn of form since the end of January has eased those fears though. And we’re sure you’ll be glad to hear that, right? Four wins in the last seven games is putting some healthy distance between them and the mess below. That mess, of course, being the combined fortunes of Leyton Orient and Newport County.
Stevenage v Notts County: Calling The Notts…
So, Notts County are staying up and everyone is shouting “HOO-RAH!”. Let’s not take that as an invitation to present three points to them in recognition of a worthy battle against the dreaded drop, however. After we did our time in the lower reaches watching all the early punches being thrown in the promotion bout, we’ve now thrown our urban hipster straw weave trilby into the ring. And it’d be completely unethical to do so, only to dole out freebies to any old herberts who rock up at the front gate pleading ‘battle for League survival’.
Boro’ still have the issue of conceding at least once in all but two games indoors this term. The upshot is that Notts County – with fellow stragglers Hartlepool – are the league leaders in conceding goals. Meanwhile, soccerstats.com tells us we have no problems at the other end. The average number of goals we score per game at home is 2.06 – the same average number our guests concede on the road. The Magpies, for those wondering, are on for a consolation 1.48 goals. The League’s first ever decimal scoreline is going to happen!
Now, let’s talk about the small matter of our head-to-head. It’s not bad, but it’s not great either. Notts County currently edge us five wins to four, with a draw in the mix too. And, like Orient ahead of Tuesday’s encounter, it’s been a while since we held bragging rights. You’ll have to go back to League One and August 2013 for our last triumph over the Magpies. Our 1-1 draw at their gaff earlier this season was the first goal we’d scored against them in three meetings. So what’s stopping us going one better this weekend? Huh? Absolutely nuttin’.
Stevenage v Notts County: Take a look at the current Football Predictions from KickOff:
Stevenage v Notts County: The FIFA 17 Verdict
Callooh Callay! If you’re hot, you’re hot – and if you’re not, your Notts County. No, we’re not talking about our FIFA 17 abilities. It’s the form of Matthew James Godden that has us all a-flutter ‘ere. The first was an exquisite curling effort from the edge of the area; the second was cooly slotted away after Bennedy nicked the ball back straight after the restart; and the third was a firm header from close range. Un, dos, tres Maria! Three goals for Godden, three points for Boro’ and three cheers for sweet revenge. Or something along those lines.
BoroGuide’s Notts County club profile – we have a severe case of the Notts…
