Stevenage FC: Destiny and drinks breaks - Owen Rodbard on his three favourite games from the 'Westley Era'
By Layth Yousif
8th May 2021 | Football
![Stevenage FC: Destiny and drinks breaks - Owen Rodbard recalls the 'Westley Era' Stevenage FC: Destiny and drinks breaks - Owen Rodbard recalls the 'Westley Era'](https://storage.googleapis.com/nub-news-files/nub-news-file-storage/175489/conversions/408_p_1_7_1-article.jpg)
Read Stevenage writer Owen Rodbard in Nub News.
Owen will be covering Scunthorpe vs Stevenage later today, but in the meantime read his latest column as he recalls the Graham Wesley era.
..........
When you think about Stevenage one of the first names you think of is surely Graham Westley. Mastermind, controversial and self-proclaimed 'medal winner'.
As someone who grew up watching his numerous managerial stints at the club, it's easy to understand why he divides opinion in the fanbase, but you cannot question his commitment and desire to be successful.
In this piece I will be rounding up my personal favourite games managed by this synonymous figure.
Newcastle (H)- 8th January 2011
Revenge was in order after the cruelty of the last meeting between the sides in the cup in 1998.
A newly promoted Boro side struggling for form hosted a Magpies side boasting attacking prowess and an array of multi-millionaires.
What would transpire was Stevenage's best cup moment and one that will live long in the memory.
A Stacy Long shot which deflected off Mike Williamson opened the scoring in the 50th minute before a Michael Bostwick thunderbolt nestled into the bottom corner to double the lead.
A moment of madness from Check Tiote summed up Newcastle's night as the midfielder saw red before a Joey Barton consolation goal.
What followed from kick off can only be described as carnage as Peter Winn dinked the ball over the onrushing keeper to cause jubilation in the East Terrace.
Kidderminster (A)- 17th April 2010
The day that truly defined Stevenage, and one that finally clinched that elusive automatic promotion in the finest fashion.
A day of expectation lived up to its billing when a Charlie Griffin opener followed by a Joel Byrom curling effort meant Stevenage finally reached the promised land of the football league for the first time in their history.
Westley had done it, an enthralling season of ups and downs climaxed with Boro at the top of the table, pipping fierce local rivals Luton and title favourites Oxford.
The scenes after the final whistle will live long in my memory (even though my dad wouldn't let me join in with the pitch invasion). The destiny train, Lawrie Wilson's unmentionables and the unbridled joy at finally achieving the clubs aim.
That will forever stick as my favourite game I attended.
Cambridge (A)- 18th January 2020
A bright light in a dismal season. Cambridge has rarely been a happy hunting ground throughout the years, with many unhappy memories and some heart-breaking moments such as the play off semi-final defeat in 2009.
With only two wins all season, the travelling faithful did not expect such a ludicrous result. 4-0 was hardly a flattering score line either, as Boro dominated for 90 minutes.
New signing Diaguely Dabo transformed into a Viera esque figure in central midfield while players such as Ben Nugent and Chris Stokes looked a shadow of their poor form throughout the season.
The goals scored by Elliot List, new signing Jake Cassidy, Charlie Carter and Charlie Lakin's first goal for the club rounded off an enthralling game which were defined of the chants of 'We are staying up' which rung around the ground at the final whistle.
This game was also memorable for me personally as it was the last game I attended with my dad before he died in April.
His face was the picture of happiness when the final whistle went and I'm happy that the last time he got to see his team was a reminder of the good old days.
Share: