Stevenage Borough

2009–10 season
Manager	Graham Westley
Chairman	Phil Wallace
← 2008–09

The 2009–10 season will be Stevenage Borough F.C.'s 16th season in the Conference National. This article shows statistics of the club's players in the season, and also lists all matches that the club will play in the season. Their fifth place finish and subsequent play-off semi-final defeat in the 2008–09 season means it is their sixteenth successive season of playing in the Conference National.

[edit] Squad details

Last updated on 26 September 2009.^[1]

[edit] Players information

No.	Name	Nationality	Position	Date Of Birth (Age)	Signed From	Notes
Goalkeepers
1	Ashley Bayes		GK	19 April 1972 (1972-04-19) (age 37)	Crawley Town	[2]
16	Chris Day		GK	28 July 1975 (1975-07-28) (age 34)	Millwall	[3]
Defenders
3	Scott Laird		LB	15 May 1988 (1988-05-15) (age 21)	Plymouth Argyle	[4]
4	Eddie Odhiambo		RB	15 September 1983 (1983-09-15) (age 26)	Oxford United	[5]
5	Jon Ashton		CB	4 October 1982 (1982-10-04) (age 27)	Grays Athletic	[6]
6	Mark Albrighton		CB	6 March 1976 (1976-03-06) (age 33)	Cambridge United	[7]
14	Mark Roberts (c)		CB	16 October 1983 (1983-10-16) (age 26)	Northwich Victoria	[8]
25	Ronnie Henry		RB	20 January 1984 (1984-01-20) (age 25)	Dublin City	[9]
Midfielders
2	Lawrie Wilson		RM	11 February 1987 (1987-02-11) (age 22)	Colchester United	[10]
7	Darren Murphy		CM	28 July 1985 (1985-07-28) (age 24)	Cork City	[11]
8	Stacy Long		CM	11 January 1985 (1985-01-11) (age 24)	Ebbsfleet United	[12]
13	Joel Byrom		CM	14 September 1986 (1986-09-14) (age 23)	Northwich Victoria	[13]
18	David Bridges		CM	22 September 1982 (1982-09-22) (age 27)	Kettering Town	[2]
21	Mitchell Cole		LM	6 October 1985 (1985-10-06) (age 24)	Southend United	[14]
23	Andy Drury		RM	12 August 1983 (1983-08-12) (age 26)	Lewes	[15]
24	Michael Bostwick		CM	17 May 1988 (1988-05-17) (age 21)	Ebbsfleet United	[16]
30	Peter Vincenti		CM	7 July 1986 (1986-07-07) (age 23)	Millwall	[17]
Forwards
9	Charlie Griffin		FW	25 June 1979 (1979-06-25) (age 30)	Salisbury City	[18]
10	Lee Boylan		FW	2 September 1978 (1978-09-02) (age 31)	Cambridge United	[19]
11	Yemi Odubade		FW	4 July 1984 (1984-07-04) (age 25)	Oxford United	[20]
20	Chris Beardsley		FW	28 February 1984 (1984-02-28) (age 25)	Kettering Town	[21]

[edit] Management

Position	Staff
Manager	Graham Westley
Assistant manager	John Dreyer
First team coach	Dino Maamria
Goalkeeping coach	Ali Uzunhasanoglu
Fitness coach	Neil Withington
Youth team coach	Colin Reid
Physiotherapists	Paul Dando

Last updated: 14 July 2009
Source: Stevenage Borough FC

[edit] Match results

[edit] Legend

[edit] Pre-season

On 3 June, Stevenage Borough announced that their pre-season campaign would consist of seven friendlies to open the 2009–10 season.^[22] Stevenage Borough began their pre-season schedule on 15 July with a trip to Melbourne Stadium in Essex to play Chelmsford City. All five of Graham Westley's summer signings featured in the match, with both Charlie Griffin and Chris Beardsley getting on the scoresheet in a 2-1 victory.^[23] Three days later Borough hosted League One outfit Brighton & Hove Albion in their first pre-season friendly at Broadhall Way. Stevenage won the game 2-1 despite trailing at the half-time interval. Second-half goals from Mitchell Cole and Stacy Long secured the turn-around and a second pre-season victory.^[24] With their pre-season schedule well underway, Stevenage then travelled to Southern League Premier Division side Cambridge City for their third pre-season friendly on 21 July. The game ended 1-1, with both sides scoring a penalty a-piece; Lee Boylan successfully converting after David Bridges was adjudged to have been fouled in the area.^[25]

Stevenage then hosted three Football League sides at Broadhall Way within the space of six days. Firstly, Borough entertained Millwall on 25 July as part of the £130,000 deal that took ex-Stevenage striker Steve Morison to The New Den in May 2009.^[26] Stevenage lost the game 2-1, with Mitchell Cole's goal for Borough sandwiched between two strikes from Morison.^[27] Borough then hosted Peterborough United, who annually visit Broadhall Way as part of the deal that took winger George Boyd to the Cambridgeshire based club in January 2007.^[28] Stevenage lost the game 2-0, with Shaun Batt, who came through the youth system at Stevenage, scoring one of the goals.^[29] Borough midfielder Mitchell Cole was also stretchered off with an ankle injury in the first-half of the same game.^[30] Later that week, it was announced that utility player Peter Vincenti had gone on a three month loan deal to recently relegated Conference South side Woking.^[31] On 31 July, Stevenage entertained another League One side in the form of Essex outfit Southend United. Stevenage won the game 2-1, thanks to two first half goals from Joel Byrom and Darren Murphy.^[32] The following day, Stevenage played out a 0-0 draw with Conference South side Woking in their final pre-season fixture. Despite joining Woking on-loan, Peter Vincenti featured for his parent club, whilst former Mansfield Town winger Nathan Arnold also played a part in the match.^[33] However, it was announced that Vincenti's loan deal to Woking had fallen through after Borough boss Graham Westley decided he wants to keep the player as cover.^[34] On 3 August, Championship side Peterborough United announced that left-back Danny Blanchett would start a two-day trial at Broadhall Way.^[35] On 5 August, just three days before the start of the new Conference National campaign, striker Jerome Anderson joined Southern League Premier Division outfit Brackley Town on loan.^[36] On 7 August, Westley announced that Stevenage had signed left-back Danny Blanchett on loan from Peterborough United.^[37]

• Note: Stevenage Borough goals come first.

[edit] Conference National

The 2009–10 Conference National fixtures were released on 3 July 2009, with Stevenage Borough to open their campaign against Conference North champions Tamworth on 8 August 2009.^[38] The game ended 1-1, with Stevenage taking the lead early on in the first-half thanks to a Lee Boylan penalty after Scott Laird was adjudged to have been fouled in the box. Tamworth equalised before the interval courtesy of a Bradley Pritchard strike.^[39] Manager Graham Westley handed debuts to Stacy Long, Charlie Griffin, Yemi Odubade and Joel Byrom during the game, with the latter being sent-off after receiving a second caution in the closing stages of the match.^[40]

This was followed up with another 1-1 draw at newly promoted Conference South play-off winners Hayes and Yeading on 11 August. Stevenage opened the scoring in the second-half through midfielder Andy Drury, but were pegged back ten minutes later following good work from ex-Borough winger Dale Binns, who set-up Danny Allen-Page to finish from close range.^[41] Stevenage then drew their third game within the space of a week, playing out a 0-0 stalemate with Barrow at Holker Street.^[42] Three days later, Borough recorded their first win of the 2009-10 season, with a 3-0 victory over Ebbsfleet United at Broadhall Way. Chris Beardsley scored on his debut after just 10 minutes, with Joel Byrom and Lawrie Wilson adding to Stevenage's tally courtesy of two second-half goals.^[43] Stevenage lost their first game of the season on 22 August, losing 2-1 against Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium, with Yemi Odubade scoring his first goal for Borough deep into injury-time.^[44] A week later, Stevenage beat Rushden & Diamonds 2-1, with goals from Lee Boylan and Michael Bostwick after Cliff Akurang had equalised for the away side. The visitors played the majority of the game with 10-men, having had Michael Corcoran sent-off for a tackle on Lawrie Wilson, which resulted in the latter suffering a dislocated ankle and broken leg in three places.^{[45][46][47][48]} The Hertfordshire side then gained their first away win of the season two days later, with a 2-0 victory against Histon despite playing the majority of the game with ten men after Peter Vincenti was sent-off in the sixth minute for violent conduct. However, goals from both Scott Laird and Eddie Odhiambo secured the three points. Daniel Wright also missed a penalty for the home side late on.^[49][50] This was followed up with a third successive victory against Eastbourne Borough at Broadhall Way eight days later. Jon Ashton scored his first goal in Stevenage colours, heading in from Joel Byrom's corner. Ronnie Henry then doubled the home side's lead in the second-half following good work from Mitchell Cole.^[51][52]

A fourth successive victory followed four days later as Stevenage ran out 3-2 winners at Field Mill against Mansfield Town, ending Mansfield's unbeaten home record in 2009.^[53] The home side went 2-0 up thanks to two goals from Kyle Perry in the first fifteen minutes. Perry was then sent-off for violent conduct just before half-time; stamping on Stevenage striker Lee Boylan ultimately resulting in the latter having to be substituted.^[54] Chris Beardsley pulled a goal back for the visitors in first-half injury time, before substitutes Yemi Odubade and Charlie Griffin scored second-half strikes to complete the comeback.^[53][54][55] A week later, a fifth successive win followed as a Michael Bostwick strike seven minutes into the game was enough to ensure Stevenage beat Chester City 1-0 at the Deva Stadium.^[56][57] The following Tuesday, Stevenage drew 1-1 with Essex outfit Grays Athletic. Petar Rnkovic gave the visitors the lead fifteen minutes into the match, with Lee Boylan equalising later on in the first-half.^[58][59] Another home draw followed, as Stevenage drew 1-1 with Altrincham. New signing Michael Brough started, after joining the club on a month's loan.^[60] Robbie Williams gave the away side the lead in the first half before Michael Bostwick scored an injury-time equaliser following good work down the left-hand side from Scott Laird to ensure Stevenage stretched their unbeaten home record to 23 games.^[61][62] After two successive draws, Stevenage beat Luton Town 1-0 at Kenilworth Road thanks to an 85th minute strike from Scott Laird, who fired into the top right hand corner of the net on the over-lap.^[63][64] Stevenage made it nine games unbeaten with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against York City at KitKat Crescent. Borough took the lead through a Daniel Parslow own goal in the first-half, before the home side equalised late on in the second period through Djoumine Sangaré.^[65]

The Hertfordshire outfit made it 10 games unbeaten with a 4-0 victory over Hayes & Yeading. Striker Charlie Griffin scored twice in the first-half, and completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 70th minute. Michael Bostwick added a fourth in injury-time.^[66][67] Another victory followed a week later, as Stevenage beat Salisbury City 3-1 at Broadhall Way. Mark Roberts scored his first goal of the season on his 50th appearance for the club just before the interval, before the visitors levelled through substitute Chris Flood after half-time. Charlie Griffin scored his fourth goal in two games to give the Hertfordshire outfit the lead, before Chris Beardsley added a third with his first touch after good work from Yemi Odubade.^[68][69] Three days later, the side drew 0-0 with Wrexham at Broadhall Way.^[70] Another draw followed 10 days later, as Stevenage drew 1-1 with Kettering Town at Rockingham Road. Joel Byrom gave Borough the lead courtesy of a second-minute free-kick. The home side equalised in the latter stages of the first-half through Moses Ashikodi to ensure a share of the spoils.^[71][72] After a two-week break from the league, Stevenage got back to winning ways with a 5-3 win over Gateshead at Broadhall Way. The visitors took the lead seven minutes before half-time, Charlie Griffin heading into his own net following Craig Baxter's dangerous free-kick. Two minutes later Griffin atoned for his error by finishing neatly over Paul Farman. Stevenage took the lead five minutes later; Mitchell Cole providing Yemi Odubade with a simple tap-in; his first goal at Broadhall Way. On the stroke of half-time Griffin headed in Scott Laird's inviting cross to ensure a two-goal lead going into the break. However, the away side pulled a goal back through Daryl Clare, before Griffin completed his hat-trick with a drilled free-kick that went in off the post. Clare pounced on a fumbled free-kick to make it 4-3, before Michael Bostwick scored his fifth goal of the season to make it 5-3.^[73][74] Stevenage then travelled to The New Lawn to face Forest Green Rovers a week later. Lee Boylan's fourth-minute goal ultimately proved to be the winner as Borough ran out 1-0 winners.^[75]

This was followed up with a 2-0 mid-week victory over Chester City at Broadhall Way. In what was a comfortable, but unspectactular, game, Stevenage took the lead through Yemi Odubade, who fired in following Mark Roberts' knock down just before half-time. Borough doubled their lead on the hour mark, with Mark Roberts firing home with his back to goal in the box.^[76][77] Four days later, Stevenage won their fourth consecutive league game with a 1-0 win away at Salisbury City, with Charlie Griffin scoring just before half-time.^[78] Borough suffered a second league defeat at the hands of Ebbsfleet United at Stonebridge Road. Stevenage took the lead through a deflected effort from Yemi Odubade, but two second-half strikes from Stefan Bailey secured the home side a valuable victory.^[79] Four days later, Stevenage returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Kidderminster Harriers at Broadhall Way, with goals from Jon Ashton and Mitchell Cole.^[80][81]

• Note: Stevenage Borough goals come first.

[edit] FA Cup

The draw for the 2009–10 FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying was made on 12 October, with Stevenage Borough being drawn away to Conference South outfit Chelmsford City.^[85] The game ended 2-1 to Stevenage, despite the visitors trailing for the majority of the game thanks to Rob Edmans goal in the first-half. Charlie Griffin equalised on the hour mark, heading in Scott Laird's cross, before substitute Peter Vincenti scored a 93rd minute winner after neat work from Yemi Odubade to ensure that Borough progress to the First Round proper.^[86][87][88] The following day, the draw for the First Round of the FA Cup was made, with Stevenage facing another away trip, this time at League Two outfit Port Vale.^[89] The game ended 1-1, with Charlie Griffin scoring an injury-time equaliser to take the game to a replay. Adam Yates had given the League Two side the lead just before half-time, before Griffin converted Mitchell Cole's cross one minute into the added-on time.^[90][91] The replay was played at Broadhall Way on 17 November, which Port Vale won 1-0 thanks to a Louis Dodds header in the first-half.^[92]

• Note: Stevenage Borough goals come first.

[edit] FA Trophy

On 23 November, the FA Trophy First Round draw was made; with Stevenage being handed a home tie against fellow Conference National outfit Ebbsfleet United.^[93] The game was played on 12 December 2009, with Stevenage winning the game 2-0 to progress into the second round. Borough took the lead after just thirteen minutes, a Stacy Long free-kick was played short to Mitchell Cole, who in-turn squared the ball across to Chris Beardsley to side foot home. The home side doubled their lead through David Bridges late on after good work from substitute Yemi Odubade.^[94] The draw for the second round of the FA Trophy was made on 14 December 2009, with Stevenage being handed another home tie, this time against Conference North side Vauxhall Motors.^[95]

• Note: Stevenage Borough goals come first.

[edit] Season statistics

Last updated on 12 December 2009.^[96]

[edit] Starts and goals

No.	Nat.	Position	Player	Total		Conference National		FA Cup		FA Trophy
				Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
1		GK	Ashley Bayes	3	0	3	0	0	0	0	0
2		DF	Lawrie Wilson	5	1	5	1	0	0	0	0
3		DF	Scott Laird	27	2	23	2	3	0	1	0
4		DF	Eddie Odhiambo	15	1	5+8	1	1+1	0	0	0
5		DF	Jon Ashton	20	2	12+4	2	3	0	1	0
6		DF	Mark Albrighton	8	0	4+3	0	0	0	0+1	0
7		MF	Darren Murphy	17	0	15	0	0+1	0	1	0
8		MF	Stacy Long	8	0	3+4	0	0	0	1	0
9		FW	Charlie Griffin	21	11	14+3	9	3	2	1	0
10		FW	Lee Boylan	13	4	11+2	4	0	0	0	0
11		FW	Yemi Odubade	23	5	9+10	5	3	0	0+1	0
13		MF	Joel Byrom	24	2	18+3	2	1+2	0	0	0
14		DF	Mark Roberts	26	2	23	2	3	0	0	0
16		GK	Chris Day	25	0	21	0	3	0	1	0
17		MF	Michael Brough	6	0	6	0	0	0	0	0
18		MF	David Bridges	11	1	6+1	0	2+1	0	1	1
20		FW	Chris Beardsley	21	4	15+5	3	0	0	1	1
21		MF	Mitchell Cole	26	1	14+8	1	2+1	0	1	0
23		MF	Andy Drury	20	1	12+5	1	3	0	0	0
24		MF	Michael Bostwick	27	5	23	5	3	0	1	0
25		DF	Ronnie Henry	25	1	21	1	3	0	1	0
30		MF	Peter Vincenti	18	1	1+14	0	0+3	1	0	0

• Note: '+' denotes appearance as a substitute.

[edit] Transfers

[edit] In

#	Pos	Player	From	Fee	Date	Notes
9	FW	Charlie Griffin	Salisbury City	Free Transfer	9 May 2009	[97]
11	FW	Yemi Odubade	Oxford United	Free Transfer	14 May 2009	[20]
13	MF	Joel Byrom	Northwich Victoria	£15,000	15 May 2009	[13]
20	FW	Chris Beardsley	Kettering Town	Free Transfer	27 May 2009	[21]
8	MF	Stacy Long	Ebbsfleet United	Free Transfer	5 June 2009	[98]

[edit] Out

#	Pos	Player	To	Fee	Date	Notes
	FW	Steve Morison	Millwall	£130,000	15 May 2009	[99]
	MF	John Martin	Chelmsford City	Released	20 May 2009	[100]
	FW	Calum Willock	Crawley Town	Released	21 May 2009	[101]
	MF	Gary Mills	Mansfield Town	Free Transfer	26 May 2009	[102]

[edit] Loans in

#	Pos	Player	From	Date	End date	Notes
	DF	Danny Blanchett	Peterborough United	7 August 2009	16 September 2009	[37]
17	MF	Michael Brough	Torquay United	25 September 2009	25 October 2009	[60]

[edit] Loans out

#	Pos	Player	To	Date	End date	Notes
27	FW	Jerome Anderson	Brackley Town	5 August 2009	1 January 2010	[36]

[edit] See also

• 2009–10 in English football
• List of Stevenage Borough F.C. seasons

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Stevenage Borough F.C. official website
• Stevenage Borough F.C. on Soccerbase