Stevenage FC

5,236 fans pile into The Lamex to see Luton win a tight derby 2-1. Tom Pett cancelled out Luke Wilkinson’s opener only for sub Alex Wall’s 82nd minute strike to take all three points. A disappointing 3-0 defeat at Carlisle followed however Boro bounced back with a 2-1 home win against Accrington.

A superb performance at Portsmouth saw Stevenage return home pointless after an entertaining yet ultimately frustrating 3-2 defeat. Dean Wells put Boro ahead and Chris Beardsley scored his first goal of the season to bring it back to 2-2 after Pompey had battled back, only for Joe Devera to win it from distance with 15 minutes remaining.

Stevenage’s topsy-turvy form continues with a late 1-0 win over high-flying Burton thanks to an 84th minute own goal from Ian Sharps.

There’s another late goal at Tranmere but this time for the hosts as they battle from 2-0 down to draw 2-2. Lee Barnard scores on his debut after signing on loan from Southend.

A goalless draw at home to Ryman Premier League Maidstone the following weekend means Boro face a replay in the FA Cup first round and they warm up for this with a comprehensive 5-1 home win over Cheltenham, with goals from Barnard (2), Beardsley (2) and Lee.

Goals in the 2nd and 87th minute knock Stevenage out of the FA Cup in a televised replay at the Gallagher Stadium with a 1-0 defeat at Northampton following less than 48 hours later.

A Simon Walton penalty then puts Boro 1-0 up against Morecambe only for another late goal, this time an 85th minute header from Padraig Amond, to salvage a point for the Shrimpers.

Stevenage also advance in the Herts Senior Cup with a 3-1 win at Colney Heath thanks to goals from Pett (2) and Deacon. Round 2 sees a comfortable 2-0 home win against Bishop’s Stortford with goals from Jebb and Deacon.

Meanwhile the U18s progress in the FA Youth Cup with a 4-3 win against Needham Market. A comprehensive 6-0 win against Wealdstone then sees Boro’s youngsters progress to a third round meeting against Everton.

- Lee Barnard joins from Southend on loan for a month and the loan moves of Jebb, McAllister and Adams are extended.

- At the end of the month Ryan Brunt becomes the latest loan addition, arriving from Bristol Rovers

- Jon Ashton, Chris Day and other first team players led inspirational sessions at nine schools in Stevenage and surrounding towns and villages about being role models, whilst also answering questions from pupils and signing items for the excited youngsters.

- Fans young and old took the opportunity to play FIFA15 prior to the Morecambe game in the EA Sports Dugout. Dean Parrett, Adam Marriott and Tom Conlon all came along to have a go too!

- Stevenage FC's recent achievements on the pitch over the past few years were recognised as part of a new pictorial tribute to the town’s sports superstars in Stevenage town centre. As part of Stevenage Borough Council’s aesthetic improvements to the town centre, the pedestrian walkway through the Arts and Leisure Centre is being refurbished with the club's Wembley wins and promotions all included.

- Fans of all ages took advantage of an open training session at Bragbury End on Saturday 6th to come and watch the squad train before interacting with the players and management. With no official first team fixture we threw the gates open and invited fans to the 42 acre facility. Here they were able to watch Graham Westley put his side through their paces in a training game and the gaffer even gave two pairs of fans the chance to control the two teams for the final 15 minutes!

- Members of the first team along with Boro Bear spent some time at the Lister Hospital last night as they gave out Christmas gifts to children. Organised by the Supporters Association, Chris Day, Simon Walton, Charlie Lee, Chris Beardsley, Darius Charles and Dean Parrett visited the Bluebell Ward where they thrilled youngsters with the surprise visit.