It’s time for Boro’ to start putting right the wrongs of our last League Two campaign. And it starts – we hope – up at Barrow. The new old boys of the Football League (or should it be old new boys?) get to start on home patch. And that means it’s a long old trek north for us; dropping in on a hidden part of Cumbria we haven’t seen for more than a decade. It’s such a nice part of the country. So, it’d be a shame to come back without a memento.
Something like three points, maybe?
After a bright start to the Revell-oution two weeks ago against Pompey, we’re now starting out on a long road – and we don’t just mean the one to Barrow. It’s about proving doubters wrong and winning enough games that we need two hands to count ’em on…
The Details: Barrow v Stevenage
Where’s the game?
Holker Street, Barrow-in-Furness.If you turn up, however they won’t let you in. It’s nothing personal against you. It’s just the ‘new’ normal we’re all living under. Innit great?
How can I watch Barrow v Stevenage then?
iFollow is the solution. It’s a tenner to get yourself a Match Pass if you want to pay as you go. The sights and sounds of Holker Street – live and direct to your armchair. Lovely stuff.
How are Boro’ shaping up…?
Revs ripped it up and started again with the squad this summer. But we’ve been denied a normal run-in to the brand-new campaign by something you might’ve seen in the news at, well, any point over the last six months. With a handful of friendlies and the Carabao Cup tie with Portsmouth, there’s at least some game time under our collective belts. The hope is that it’s enough to make a storming start to the new league campaign.
… and how are they looking?
Our hosts are coming into this new season – and the Football League – with a reputation for playing with style. It’s why Barrowcelona entered the National League lexicon. But the architect of it, gaffer Ian Evatt, has moved onto Bolton Wanderers. So, it seems our boss has been in his job longer than theirs. That must count for something? As for results, the Bluebirds have already played two cup games; losing them both on penalties.
Our story with Barrow so far
This is the first time we’ll have met since the 2010 FA Trophy final; a match that we have less-than-fond memories of. In pure numbers, that was our seventh meeting in total and the second time that we’ve been on the wrong end of the result. In our three past trips to Holker Street, however, we’re unbeaten; winning two and drawing once – including a 1-0 win to kick-off our 1998-9 league campaign there with three points.
Last Meeting: Stevenage Borough 1-2 Barrow, 08 May 2010
Who’s the referee in charge?
Get this – the last time Mr Oldham took charge of us was against Macclesfield Town last season. It was a game that we a) didn’t lose and b) did do two goals! Is that an omen? Is there such a thing as an omen in football? Our record on Mr Oldham’s watch is short but good. Before last season, we’d won the previous two matches. Admittedly, that’s starting to go back a bit now. So, let’s start with a clean slate.
Last Meeting: Stevenage 2-2 Macclesfield Town, 31 August 2018