Stevenage return to The Lamex Stadium as Neill Collins’ Barnsley come to town for a huge Sky Bet League One clash…
Boro’s 50% win-rate in League One this campaign is something to be immensely proud of as the side sit seventh in the table, which puts them within touching distance of the play-off places.
Last time out in League One, Stevenage travelled to Shrewsbury and while they had to be patient, there was only one team destined to pick up the three points, as Jamie Reid’s 84thminute goal was enough to claim victory.
This Saturday, Boro are met with an entirely different style of opposition in Barnsley, who have never played at The Lamex Stadium. The two sides met just four weeks ago in South Yorkshire with the Tykes coming out on top, despite Luther James-Wildin’s opener.
Stevenage will be delighted with their defensive record this season, having conceded just 25 goals in 26 games, and keeping 11 clean sheets. This is the joint-second best defensive record in the league so far, with Bolton conceding one less goal.
The Opposition
Barnsley have had a similarly impressive season so far as they occupy fifth place in the table, having won 14 of their 26 league games. They are currently on a ten-game unbeaten run in League One, in which six of those were victories.
On Tuesday, Barnsley hosted Carlisle and looked to be dropping points after the visitors took an early lead. It was Devante Cole’s goal in the 58th minute and Herbie Kane’s penalty in the 86th that changed the game though, as the Tykes walked away with all three points.
Devante Cole is Barnsley’s top scorer this season, with 16 goals and three assists to his name in the league already. His hat-trick on the opening day of the season set a precedent, and he has continued his form throughout the first half of the campaign. Cole has scored a goal in his last four league games, and Boro will be desperate to end his run.
The Manager
Neill Collins was the manager of Tampa Bay Rowdies in The USA for five years before returning to The UK to join Barnsley at the start of this season. This is his first managerial role in England, but as a player he played for several clubs in the Football League, including Sheffield United, Wolves and Leeds United.
The Officials
Sam Purkiss has been appointed Match Referee for Saturday’s game, with Scott Williams and Conor Farrell as his Assistants, and Ryan Head as Fourth Official. Purkiss is not afraid to display his cards, having handed out 99 yellow cards and eight reds in 21 games so far this campaign.
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