Before we even had the opportunity to begin writing this epic prose, we were told that it is not certain that tomorrow’s match will be able to go ahead. Fairlands Valley Park seems to have an additional lake to offer visitors because the weather is continuing to be a right arse and dropping rain all over the shop. This displeases us. BoroGuide never likes the dreaded P-P next to Stevenage’s name.
If the game does go ahead, it presents the perfect opportunity to get over the hangover that was the 3-1 home defeat against Coventry City on Boxing Day. Not only that, it allows us to bring a memorable 2012 to an end on a positive note and – should three points be attained – calm the fears of some individuals that 2013 will be nothing but gloom and misery for the boys from the Lamex Stadium!
We’ve no doubt reached a peak in our fortunes of late and at some point, games were going to be lost. That’s just the objective look at things. You can argue about the finer points such as performance levels and player ability if you wish, but the transition that Gary Smith had to make this year after Graham Westley’s departure shouldn’t be underestimated – it was a huge undertaking and it’s still taking shape.
Notts County are no less formidable an opponent than Coventry. Like the Sky Blues, a win at their place does not automatically guarantee us a win at ours. It’s at home for a start – a place where something just isn’t clicking right now. We reckon there might be a change or two in store tomorrow – Tansey in for Dunne? Comminges in for N’Gala, with Darius set to partner Robbo? That’s what we’d consider, but what do we know…
FIFA 13 Verdict:
Earlier we mentioned that changes may be in the offing, and we reflected that in our team to start this fixture. Again, the blazing sunshine defied the reality of the current pattern of weather but ho hum and away we go. Boro’ sought to keep the ball from the outset, but the early chances all came the way of the visitors; one shot cannoning off the post and another forcing the best of Steve Arnold.
The hosts gradually came back into the game, but sloppy passing allowed the best chances to fall Notts County’s way; Boro’s best opportunities coming from Greg Tansey and the yet again lively Robin Shroot. The visitors might have been aggrieved to have gone in goalless at the halftime interval, but there was work to be done for Boro’ if they were to grab points from this game in the second 45.
The second half was much more encouraging, the best chances starting to fall Stevenage’s way. However, no-one could break the deadlock. Grant, Morais and Shroot made way for Dunne, Freeman and Agyemang as Boro’ went to a 4-4-2 formation for the last quarter of an hour. But it was a move that backfired, as Jeff Hughes fired Notts County ahead with a mere six minutes left.
Thankfully, that wasn’t the end of the action. Patrick Agyemang powered into the penalty area as the full-time whistle loomed, before pulling it back for James Dunne to finish in a clinical fashion to earn Boro’ a share of the spoils. It could have been so much better had Marcus Haber not seen a rasper from the edge of the box saved, but a point was satisfying after falling behind late-on.
FT: Stevenage 1-1 Notts County (Dunne 90′; J Hughes 84′)
Bookmakers’ Verdict:
We can only assume that the indifferent run of form lately has caused confidence in Boro’s prospects to collapse, because Notts County enter this game as the bookies’ slight favourite – 7/4 is the best price we currently see across five companies. A home win isn’t necessarily a distant prospect, but you can net 23/13 at Pinnacle. If you think the draw is for you, 12/5 is best and is at BetVictor.
Twice in the last two home games, Stevenage have taken the lead. Robin Shroot is at eights to repeat his exploits against Crawley, while Lucas Akins is sevens to do what he did versus Coventry City. It might be worth a look at over 2.5 goals as an option, or both teams to find the net is 8/11 at SkyBet and Stan James. Correct score? Boro’ are 9s to shade it 2-1; Notts County 2-1 is 11/1 at its best.
Last Season:
Stevenage 0-2 Notts County
Team Tarot (4-2-3-1):
Arnold
Gray
N’Gala
Roberts (c)
Comminges
Tansey
Dunne
Akins
Shroot
Morais
Haber
