Stevenage welcome Neill Collins’ Barnsley to The Lamex Stadium this evening for the rearranged Sky Bet League One clash…
Stevenage have thoroughly enjoyed their first campaign back in the third tier and have competed among some of the biggest clubs in the division, as they sit 9th in the table. Just four games remain now for Boro as they prepare for their final clash under the lights at The Lamex Stadium this season.
Tonight’s fixture will be just the second clash between these two sides, and the first at The Lamex Stadium. This season’s reverse fixture ended 2-1 to Barnsley, despite Luther James-Wildin’s first-half goal.
Stevenage currently sit six points outside the play-off places after Saturday’s defeat to Exeter City, so they will be desperate to return to winning ways in order to keep themselves in the race.
The Opposition
Barnsley have had a strong League One campaign, as they sit fifth in the table and are six points clear of the chasing pack outside the play-offs. The side have won 21 of their 41 league games this season as they look to make a return to the Championship, after losing out in the League One play-off final last campaign.
They have shown some signs of inconsistency in their last few results, as they have won just two of their last seven games. On Saturday, the Tykes travelled to South East London and suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Charlton Athletic, despite Adam Phillips’ first-half penalty.
Barnsley have certainly not struggled for goals this season, having netted 74 in 41, with only Peterborough and Bolton scoring more in League One. Forward, Devante Cole, sits joint-third with Jamie Reid in the League One top scorer race, having scored 17 so far this campaign.
The Manager
Neill Collins has enjoyed a rather positive first season in charge of Barnsley, over taking over in the summer. This is his first managerial spell in England, having started his coaching career in the USA. As a player, Collins is mostly known for his time with Sheffield United and Wolves.
Officials
Declan Bourne has been appointed Match Referee for tonight’s game, with Conall Bartlett and Conor Farrell as his Assistants, and Damith Bandara as Fourth Official. Bourne has dished out 89 yellow cards and four reds in 21 games this season.
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