Finally in our review of 2013 we reach December...
On the pitch:
Boro advanced into the third round of the FA Cup with Budweiser and a tie at Championship side Doncaster Rovers after a 4-0 home win over Stourbridge in Round Two. An improved second half display the following Tuesday in the JPT area semi-final saw Boro hold Swindon to a 1-1 draw in normal time, but lose 3-1 on penalties. Successive draws against Port Vale and Sheffield United gave us some valuable points but it proved a Christmas to forget after defeats on the road at Colchester (0-4) and Bristol City (1-4) ensured 2013 finished as it began.
Over in Florida the U18s enjoyed an impressive IMG Cup in Florida. Facing some of the best young talent in the world, Darren Sarll's youngsters pick up seven points from their four games and finish 3rd in the Super Group. Whilst losing 3-1 to Cruzeiro in their opening game, despite outplaying them for 70 minutes, they drew 1-1 with the USA U17 squad and earned victories over Baltimore Celtic (2-1) and the IMG U18 squad (2-0).
Off the pitch:Stevenage scooped the Johnstone's Paint Team of the Round for last month's win over league leaders Leyton Orient. As well as a trophy, the club also wins £200 of paint products to use on a stadium or community project.
The Stevenage FC Foundation announces is returning to Africa to work on more projects in 2014. A group of club volunteers and employees from nPower will visit Gambia in April where they will coach, teach and undertake various construction projects at a local medical centre and school in Sitanuku.
The players make their annual SA visit to the Children's Ward at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage along with Boro Bear. They spent an hour in Bluebell Ward meeting and greeting youngsters, handing out presents and food and having photographs taken before heading into the A&E ward to put smiles on more faces.
The following afternoon Sam Wedgbury and Peter Hartley visit a young Boro fan, Matthew, who is at home recovering from a recent back operation. They take him a signed 'get well' card, signed shirt and sit and chat to him and his family for an hour whilst also passing on some tips to aspiring young defender Matthew!
Photos of the Month:
The players make their annual visit to the Children's Ward at The Lister
Peter Hartley and Sam Wedgbury visit young Boro fan Matthew
