It appears that our failure to blog prior to the Bury game may have contributed to the disappointing draw against our bottom-of-the-league visitors on Saturday. We would prepared something and had intended to do so – but Chris Foy only gave an extra four minutes, which is an insult to the blogging fraternity and denied us the opportunity to, hmm, something or other /siralex.
A 2-2 draw against Bury isn’t endearing to us. A late and sloppy goal for Kevin Blackwell’s team to level it up and a chance for Blackwell to get his Bury career off to some degree of successful start. But lest we forget that Bury scored a mere six goals against us two seasons ago.
Next up and not ideal after a dropped two points (four if you count Doncaster Rovers) comes Notts County away. Keith Curle is doing a grand job up there and it will rank up with there with the toughest games we’ve faced so far this season. To snatch a point at Meadow Lane will be a terrific achievement and maintaining the unbeaten record to 10 games all the more impressive.
It seems inevitable that we’ll go 4-5-1 for this and play on the counter – very much the in thing in football these days. Haber is likely to start with Pat out with injury, while it may be the case that Risser and Morais are started – as at Doncaster – with both Freeman and Shroot on the bench. However, we’ve quickly learned that you can’t necessarily guess the team selection and we await eagerly.
FIFA13 Verdict:
Yep, we’ve upgraded to the new generation of FIFA. Incidentally, our forgetfulness in failing to call the Bury game ensured the last ever FIFA12 verdict was lost. If you’re in suspense as to the outcome of that game (because we did do it), it finished as a decent victory for the hosts – Stevenage 3-1 Bury. However, it didn’t go according to plan and there’s no record we ever predicted it.
So, onto FIFA13. And this was a risk, given the new controls and the intelligent attack function would lead to some uncomfortable moments. But actually, Boro’ were on the front foot for most of the game and delivered an unexpected victory. Two second half headers – Lucas Akins and Luke Freeman (yeah!) – earning all three points. FT: Notts County 0-2 Stevenage (Akins 68, Freeman 71).
Bookies’ Verdict:
Understandably, there’s a bit of love for Notts County from the bookies, although best odds on a home win are currently 23/20 at Sportingbet. You can get 47/16 on an away victory at Pinnacle, who offer best odds at present on the draw too at 28/11. If you are looking towards a first goalscorer, Lee Hughes comes in at fives with Bet365 and how about Robbo at 28s?
Last Season:
Notts County 1-0 Stevenage
Team Tarot (4-5-1):
Day //
Gray / Roberts / Ashton / Comminges //
Dunne / Grant //
Morais / Risser / Akins //
Haber //
Your team line up could not be more wrong Pete, to be fair to you not many would have got it to be honest Arnold for Day. Smith is certainly not afraid to change things, this should send a message to all the players. Absolutely brilliant win though, certainly can’;t argue that the “spirit” in Stevenage FC still exists now the question is how far can it take us?
As usual a very nice blog, keep them going
Hehe – trying to second guess Smith’s selections is a difficult science. But Risser was correct! Perhaps should have realised Ashton would also be missing out…
… turns out FIFA13 wasn’t far off the mark either!