2011–12 Stevenage F.C. season

Squad details

:Last updated on 14 May 2012. The squad at the end of the season. | access-date = 14 May 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110116093847/http://www.soccerbase.com/teams2.sd?teamid=2499 | archive-date = 16 January 2011 | url-status = live

Players information

Management

• Manager: Gary Smith
• Assistant manager: Mark Newson
• Goalkeeping coach: Gary Phillips
• Fitness coach: Neil Withington
• Physiotherapist: Paul Dando

Match results

Legend

Pre-season

In June 2011, Stevenage announced that their pre–season campaign would consist of eight friendlies to open the 2011–12 season. | access-date = 29 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110618011340/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10839~2375836,00.html | archive-date = 18 June 2011 | url-status = dead | access-date = 29 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110630145255/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10839~2382308,00.html | archive-date = 30 June 2011 | url-status = dead Stevenage's first pre-season fixture was an away trip to Hitchin Town on 13 July, | access-date = 14 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110709004118/http://www.hitchintownfc.co.uk/teams/previews/20110605164237743352.shtml | archive-date = 9 July 2011 | url-status = dead with the away side winning the match 1–0 courtesy of an 86th-minute strike from Chris Beardsley after Michael Thalassitis' initial shot had been saved.{{cite news |access-date=14 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717134224/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10839~2392217%2C00.html |archive-date=17 July 2011 | access-date = 14 July 2011}} | access-date = 15 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111001071605/http://www.hitchintownfc.co.uk/articles/weekly_articles/20110714154190536219.shtml | archive-date = 1 October 2011 | url-status = dead Trialists Jerome Federico and Robin Shroot also featured for Stevenage in the match as second-half substitutes. Four days later, Stevenage beat a Fulham XI side 1–0 at Broadhall Way.{{cite news |access-date = 17 July 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110722180518/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10839~2394814%2C00.html |archive-date = 22 July 2011 |url-status = dead | access-date = 18 July 2011 | archive-date = 20 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110720110225/http://www.thecomet.net/stevenage-fc/shroot_strike_downs_premier_league_fulham_1_966465 | url-status = dead | access-date = 20 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110723103357/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10839~2396957,00.html | archive-date = 23 July 2011 | url-status = dead New signing Phil Edwards had missed a second-half penalty for Stevenage, firing wide after Byron Harrison was fouled in the area. Manager Graham Westley again took the opportunity to look at a number of trialists — with Welling United's Jack Parkinson featuring in the first half of the match,{{cite news | access-date = 20 July 2011}}{{cite news | access-date = 20 July 2011}} whilst former Northampton Town midfielder Liam Davis played 79 minutes. Robin Shroot, who had featured in Stevenage's first two pre-season fixtures, played the whole match. Another defeat followed four days later as Stevenage lost 1–0 to an Arsenal XI side at Broadhall Way, a Chuks Aneke goal in the second-half separating the teams.{{cite news |access-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609121117/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10839~2400176%2C00.html |archive-date=9 June 2012 | access-date = 26 July 2011}} Stevenage lost their third consecutive pre-season friendly, again by a 1–0 scoreline, when they travelled to Conference South side Hampton & Richmond Borough on 26 July. | access-date = 27 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120609121201/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10839~2402760,00.html | archive-date = 9 June 2012 | url-status = dead The only goal of the game came just before half-time; a Stuart Duff shot took a deflection off of Phil Edwards, wrong-footing Alan Julian in the Stevenage goal. Two days later, Stevenage travelled to Carshalton Athletic — the friendly was arranged as part of the transfer that took Stevenage striker Byron Harrison from Carshalton to Broadhall Way. | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130421115302/http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/sport/Carshalton-Athletic-net-Stevenage-friendly-Harrison-transfer/article-3069080-detail/article.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 21 April 2013 | access-date = 30 July 2011 Stevenage won the match 3–0, with goals coming from Craig Reid, Guy Madjo, and Robin Shroot.{{cite news |access-date=30 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609121214/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10839~2405252%2C00.html |archive-date=9 June 2012 | access-date = 30 July 2011}} A 2–1 win at League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge followed on 30 July.{{cite news | access-date = 30 July 2011}} Michael Bostwick opened the scoring after just eight minutes, heading in at the back post. Stevenage captain Mark Roberts doubled Stevenage's lead on the hour mark, scoring from four yards out after Dagenham had failed to clear a corner. A late Brian Woodall goal served as a consolation for the home side.{{cite news | access-date = 30 July 2011}} The club's final pre-season fixture took place on 2 August 2011 against Conference North side Corby Town, ending 1–1. | access-date = 3 August 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120609121329/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10839~2408712,00.html | archive-date = 9 June 2012 | url-status = dead Stevenage took the lead midway through the first-half, Ben May heading in a Stacy Long corner. Corby restored parity shortly after the interval, with Matt Rhead scoring from the penalty spot after Jennison Myrie-Williams fouled Nick Rogan. | access-date = 3 August 2011 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130419231346/http://www.corbytownfc.co.uk/news/2011/corby-town-1-1-stevenage | archive-date = 19 April 2013 | url-status = dead

• Note: Stevenage goals come first.

League One

Main article: 2011–12 Football League One

The 2011–12 League One fixtures were released on 17 June 2011, with Stevenage opening their league campaign at home to Exeter City on 6 August 2011.{{cite news | access-date = 17 June 2011}} The game ended 0–0, with both sides spurning a number of goalscoring opportunities.{{cite news | access-date = 6 August 2011}} The result meant that Stevenage had drawn their opening league fixture for the third consecutive season.{{cite news |access-date=6 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609121345/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10839~58449%2C00.html |archive-date=9 June 2012 | access-date = 13 August 2011}} Three days later, Stevenage earned their first win of the season, securing a 3–1 away victory against Bournemouth. Stevenage took the lead shortly before half-time, Craig Reid's quick turn and shot beating Shwan Jalal in the Bournemouth goal after Lawrie Wilson's threaded ball beat the offside trap. Two minutes after the interval, the home side were level, substitute Harry Arter scoring from Marc Pugh's squared pass. The away side took the lead once more with half an hour remaining, John Mousinho scoring from the penalty spot after Bournemouth captain Adam Barrett handled Stacy Long's shot on the line, receiving a red card in the process for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Stevenage doubled their advantage in injury-time when Chris Beardsley latched on to Scott Laird's pass and beat Jalal with a first time finish.{{cite news | access-date = 16 August 2011}}{{cite news |access-date=16 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609121524/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10839~57882%2C00.html |archive-date=9 June 2012 | access-date = 20 August 2011}}{{cite news | access-date = 20 August 2011}} A week later, Stevenage lost their first league game of the season when they travelled to league leaders Milton Keynes Dons, losing 1–0 courtesy of a second-half goal from Charlie MacDonald.{{cite news | access-date = 27 August 2011}}{{cite news |access-date = 28 August 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120612025750/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10839~57981,00.html |archive-date = 12 June 2012 |url-status = dead

Stevenage recorded their first home win of the season on 3 September, beating Rochdale 4–2 at Broadhall Way. The home side took the lead through Craig Reid, who collected Lawrie Wilson's knock down, before turning in the box and beating Rochdale goalkeeper Jake Kean. Rochdale captain Gary Jones equalised shortly after with a volley that found its way into the net through a crowd of players. Two minutes later, Stevenage were ahead once more — Chris Beardsley scoring from close range after Reid's shot had been parried out by Kean. Beardsley added his second of the game in first-half injury-time, turning on the edge of the area before curling the ball into the far corner of the goal to give the hosts a two-goal advantage going into the interval. Reid added Stevenage's fourth goal of the game when he poked the ball past the onrushing Kean. The goal was wrongly accredited as a Neal Trotman own goal, with there being "conclusive proof" that Reid made contact with the ball.{{cite news |access-date=3 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612031033/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10839~58005%2C00.html |archive-date=12 June 2012 | access-date = 3 September 2011}} A week later, Stevenage travelled to Oldham Athletic, earning a 1–1 draw. The visitors scored the opening goal after just four minutes — Joel Byrom's corner found Michael Bostwick on the edge of the area, and his shot was headed in by Mark Roberts. Ten minutes later, Oldham equalised through a Shefki Kuqi header to ensure the game ended with the scoreline tied.{{cite news | access-date = 10 September 2011}}{{cite news |access-date = 11 September 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120612031126/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10839~58050,00.html |archive-date = 12 June 2012 |url-status = dead |access-date=13 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612031230/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10839~58074%2C00.html |archive-date=12 June 2012 | access-date = 17 September 2011}} A week later, on 24 September, Stevenage lost their second successive game, losing 1–0 to Carlisle United at Brunton Park courtesy of a first-half Peter Murphy header.{{cite news | access-date = 24 September 2011}}{{cite news |access-date=25 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612031653/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10839~57525%2C00.html |archive-date=12 June 2012

A third consecutive defeat followed a week later, on 1 October, as Stevenage lost 2–1 to Scunthorpe United at Broadhall Way. Similarly to the club's last home defeat to Notts County, the visitors opened the scoring in first-half injury time, Eddie Nolan cutting in from the left and beating Chris Day from 20 yards out. Michael O'Connor doubled Scunthorpe's advantage in second-half injury time with a finish from an acute angle, before substitute Josh Walker scored two minutes later to half the deficit.{{cite news | access-date = 2 October 2011}} Stevenage then lost 2–1 away to Huddersfield Town, a fourth straight defeat. Huddersfield opened the scoring just before half-time through Gary Roberts. Scott Laird briefly levelled the game with twenty minutes remaining, scoring with a shot from just inside the area after John Mousinho had played the ball into his path. The home side took the lead again shortly after, this time Lee Novak scoring after Anton Robinson's shot had hit the post. Mousinho missed a late penalty for Stevenage after Byron Harrison was fouled in the area. The four game losing streak ended a week later, on 15 October, when Stevenage beat Charlton Athletic 1–0, ending Charlton's unbeaten start to the season. The only goal of the game came eleven minutes into the match, former Charlton player Stacy Long saw his 25-yard shot take a deflection to wrongfoot goalkeeper Ben Hamer. Both sides went on to create further chances, with Leon Cort producing a save from Chris Day in the Stevenage goal, as well as Jon Ashton hitting the crossbar for the home side. A 0–0 draw against Yeovil Town followed a week later, with John Mousinho missing a penalty with ten minutes remaining. The penalty came about as a result of Yeovil's Luke Ayling handling the ball on the line, receiving a straight red card. There was a "great sense of injustice around the ground" as Mark Roberts scored the rebound after Ayling had handled — with the referee refusing to give Stevenage the advantage and instead opting to award the penalty.{{cite news | access-date = 22 October 2011}} Three days after the draw, on 25 October, Stevenage travelled to Brentford, winning the match 1–0, their second away victory of the campaign. The only goal of the game came with twenty minutes left in the second-half; Chris Beardsley picking the ball up in the area before lashing a shot across the face of goal and into the net. | access-date = 25 October 2011 Stevenage secured a second consecutive away victory in their following match, beating Bury 2–1 at Gigg Lane. Byron Harrison opened the scoring for the visitors in the first-half, sweeping home John Mousinho's knock down. Stevenage doubled their advantage with fifteen minutes remaining, Mark Roberts beating the offside trap to head in Joel Byrom's cross. Bury replied almost immediately, with Andy Bishop converting from the penalty spot after Lawrie Wilson had fouled Lenell John-Lewis.{{cite news |access-date = 29 October 2011

The club's first fixture in November was a home game against Sheffield United, with Stevenage winning the match 2–1. The hosts took the lead shortly before half-time, with Mark Roberts scoring his second goal in as many games with a sharp swivel and finish after Craig Reid's corner was not cleared by the Sheffield United defence. The away side levelled when substitute Ched Evans scored with a low-drilled effort from a 20-yard free-kick. Stevenage had the chance to take the lead once again with just ten minutes remaining when Lawrie Wilson was fouled in the area, with Scott Laird duly converting the penalty. | access-date = 5 November 2011 After a two-week break due to the FA Cup, Stevenage returned to league action with a trip to Leyton Orient. The game ended 0–0, with Stevenage's Joel Byrom coming closest to breaking the deadlock when his 20-yard shot hit the post.{{cite news | access-date = 19 November 2011}} A second 0–0 draw followed a week later, on 26 November, when Stevenage hosted Walsall at Broadhall Way. Both Chuks Aneke and Luke Freeman made their home debuts for the club, with both having chances to win the match.{{cite news |access-date=26 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111230133803/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10839~58501%2C00.html |archive-date=30 December 2011

After a two-week break from the League due to FA Cup commitments, Stevenage travelled to Deepdale to face Preston North End on 10 December. The match ended 0–0, Stevenage's third straight stalemate. Second-half substitute's Darius Charles and Byron Harrison had the visitors' best chances, forcing Preston goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann to make two strong saves. Preston's Danny Mayor hit the post midway through the second period, before Iain Hume's volley was palmed away from the goal by an outstretched Chris Day, saving Stevenage a point in injury-time. | access-date = 11 December 2011 A week later, on 17 December, Stevenage faced Tranmere Rovers at Broadhall Way in the club's last home game of 2011 — with Stevenage securing a 2–1 victory. The home side took the lead seven minutes before half-time, with Chris Beardsley swivelling in the area before scooping the ball into the far corner of the goal, although the striker was subsequently substituted immediately after as a result of picking up a hamstring injury in the build-up to the goal. Substitute Ben May was sent-off for the home side after "squaring up" to Tranmere goalkeeper Paul Rachubka with twenty minutes remaining. Despite the visitors having a one-man advantage, it was Stevenage who doubled the lead, Mark Roberts heading in Robin Shroot's cross to score his fifth goal of the campaign. Tranmere's Joss Labadie scored a consolation goal for the away side in the third minute of injury-time, scoring from the penalty spot after Scott Laird was adjudged to have brought down Mark McChrystal.{{cite news | access-date = 17 December 2011}} Nine days later, Stevenage faced a Boxing Day away trip to Colchester United. Stevenage won the game 6–1, their biggest Football League victory to date. The visitors scored the opening goal within the first ten minutes, Don Cowan and Chris Beardsley linked up well before the latter provided a square pass to the onrushing Robin Shroot, who made no mistake from six yards out. Cowan then set-up Beardsley, who scored from 25-yards with a low drilled effort. After hitting the post and forcing Chris Day into making a number of saves, Colchester halved the deficit shortly after the interval when Karl Duguid's cross looped across the face of the goal and Ian Henderson's headed in from six yards. Stevenage restored their two-goal cushion ten minutes later, when Michael Bostwick picked up Phil Edwards' pass and saw his 30-yard shot take a deflection and wrong-foot Ben Williams in the Colchester goal. Seven minutes later, Stevenage scored their fourth goal from a well-worked free-kick — with Bostwick playing the ball to Scott Laird, who sidefooted the ball into the net from inside the area. Another goal followed just two minutes later, when Luke Freeman picked up Joel Byrom's pass, beat his man and lashed the ball across the goal with a "powerful strike". Byrom added a sixth goal with ten minutes remaining when he ran onto Ronnie Henry's header and calmly scored from just inside the area.{{cite news |access-date=29 December 2011 | access-date = 31 December 2011

Stevenage's thirteen game unbeaten run ended on 2 January 2012, losing 1–0 at home to Leyton Orient thanks to a first-half strike from Lee Cook. Leyton Orient were reduced to ten men in the first-half, with Ben Chorley receiving a red card for an off-the-ball incident with Chris Beardsley. Stevenage substitute Chuks Aneke was also sent-off in the second half for a high-footed challenge.{{cite news | access-date = 2 January 2012}} In the week prior to Stevenage's trip to Rochdale, speculation mounted as to whether Stevenage manager Graham Westley would remain at the club amidst interest from fellow League One side, Preston North End.{{cite news |access-date=15 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111120809/http://www.lep.co.uk/sport/league_football_2_1863/pne_s_ridsdale_in_talks_with_westley_1_4122924 |archive-date=11 January 2012 |access-date=15 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120116023618/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10839~2575845%2C00.html |archive-date=16 January 2012 |access-date=14 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118032534/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10839~2576989%2C00.html |archive-date=18 January 2012 | access-date = 21 January 2012}} Stevenage returned to Broadhall Way three days later, after three successive away fixtures in all competitions, hosting Milton Keynes Dons. The away side took the lead after just two minutes, when former Stevenage loanee Jay O'Shea finished from close range after Chris Day had palmed away Adam Smith's cross. Stevenage drew level midway through the first-half following a neat interchange between Luke Freeman and Lawrie Wilson, with Freeman laying the ball off to Michael Bostwick, who unleashed a 25-yard strike into the bottom left corner of the goal. On the hour mark, MK Dons defender Mathias Doumbé was sent-off for a second bookable offence after bringing down Chris Beardsley on the edge of the area. Stevenage took the lead from the resulting free-kick, with Scott Laird heading in Freeman's cross. The hosts had doubled their advantage three minutes later, Freeman again supplying the cross that was met by the head of Darius Charles, who firmly headed past MK Dons goalkeeper David Martin. With five minutes remaining, MK Dons scored their second goal of the game, with O'Shea crossing the ball for substitute Tom Flanagan to head into the net from six yards. Stevenage restored their two-goal advantage almost instantly when Charles worked his way into the box before firing the ball across the face of the goal, which was turned in by MK Dons defender Gary MacKenzie.{{cite news |access-date=25 January 2012

The club's first scheduled game of February was an away trip to Notts County, who Stevenage had also played the week before in the FA Cup. However, the game was called off on 3 February, a day before the match, due to a frozen pitch.{{cite news | access-date = 4 February 2012}} | access-date = 4 February 2012 Stevenage's home fixtures against Oldham Athletic and Carlisle United, scheduled to be played within the space of four days, on 7 February and 11 February respectively, were also postponed due to a frozen pitch after the playing surface was deemed to be unplayable ahead of each game. | access-date = 7 February 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120210020546/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10839~2602660,00.html | archive-date = 10 February 2012 | url-status = dead | access-date = 10 February 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120213031920/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10839~2606329,00.html | archive-date = 13 February 2012 | url-status = dead The club travelled to Sheffield Wednesday on 14 February, manager Gary Smith's first league game in-charge, winning the game 1–0 at Hillsborough. The only goal of the game came shortly before the interval, Joel Byrom's corner was met by Chris Beardsley, whose header was ultimately turned in by Scott Laird.{{cite news |access-date=14 February 2012 | access-date = 22 February 2012}} Another defeat followed three days later, with the club losing 2–0 to league leaders Charlton Athletic at The Valley. Charlton took the lead shortly after the interval, defender Michael Morrison opened the scoring with a half volley from the edge of the area. Striker Bradley Wright-Phillips doubled Charlton's advantage with a deflected effort.{{cite news | access-date = 25 February 2012}} Three days later, on 28 February, Stevenage faced fourth placed Huddersfield Town at Broadhall Way, drawing 2–2. The hosts were without first-team regulars Jon Ashton, Chris Beardsley, Luke Freeman, and John Mousinho, and goalkeeper Chris Day was forced off with a shoulder injury at half-time. Huddersfield took the lead shortly after the interval, Lee Novak slid in Danny Ward, who finished from an acute angle. The away side doubled their advantage just five minutes later, Novak scoring from 20-yards courtesy of a powerful strike. Stevenage reduced the deficit with twenty minutes left when Joel Byrom's corner found the head of Michael Bostwick, whose powerful header beat Alex Smithies in the Huddersfield goal. The hosts then had the opportunity to draw level after Wilson was fouled in the area by Sean Morrison, although Scott Laird saw his subsequent penalty saved by Smithies. With just two minutes remaining, Stevenage equalised. Substitute Jennison Myrie-Williams found space on the left wing, and fired the ball across goal, reaching fellow substitute Robin Shroot, who finished from a tight angle to ensure Stevenage earned a valuable point.{{cite news |access-date=28 February 2012

The club faced Exeter City at St James' Park on 3 March, drawing 1–1. Exeter opened the scoring after fifteen minutes through Richard Logan, before Stevenage equalised on the hour mark — Robin Shroot scoring his second goal in as many games as he finished neatly from substitute Jennison Myrie-Williams' cross.{{cite news |access-date=3 March 2012 | access-date = 10 March 2012}} Stevenage then faced a home game against Oldham Athletic on 13 March. The original game, scheduled to be played in February, was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Stevenage won the game 1–0, courtesy of an injury-time header from Lawrie Wilson. Wilson connected with a low Darius Charles cross in the last minute of the match to give the home side their first league win in five outings. | access-date = 13 March 2012 The club travelled to Victoria Park to face Hartlepool United four days later, playing out a 0–0 draw.{{cite news | access-date = 17 March 2012}} Another 0–0 draw followed three days later, on 20 March, as Stevenage played out a goalless draw against Colchester United at Broadhall Way. Stevenage played the second-half with ten men, after striker Jordan Slew was sent-off just before the interval for "lashing out" at Colchester midfielder Anthony Wordsworth.{{cite news | access-date = 20 March 2012}} An away trip to the Bescot Stadium to play Walsall on 24 March followed, ending in a 1–1 draw. The home side took an early lead when Walsall defender Andy Butler turned in area and found the bottom right hand corner of the goal. Stevenage equalised on the hour mark, Jennison Myrie-Williams made room down the left wing, before his attempted cross was blocked, the ball fell into the path of Michael Bostwick who curled the ball into the net from 25 yards out.{{cite news | access-date = 24 March 2012}} A seventh draw in eight games was played out three days later, with Stevenage drawing 2–2 at home with Bournemouth. All four goals came in the first half of the match, with Bournemouth taking a two-goal lead before two Stevenage goals within the space of seven minutes meant the teams went into the break level. The visitors opened the scoring through Wesley Thomas' half volley that found the top right corner of the goal. Bournemouth then doubled their advantage when Scott Malone made a bursting run from full back before hitting a rasping drive that found the net from the edge of the area. The hosts were looking second best, but reduced the two-goal deficit when Luke Freeman cut in from the left and curled a right footed shot past Bournemouth goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan from 25 yards. Michael Bostwick scored his second goal in as many games with a low struck effort from the edge of the area, ensuring the two sides went in level at the interval.{{cite news | access-date = 27 March 2012}} Another draw followed when Stevenage drew 1–1 at home to Wycombe Wanderers. Stevenage took the lead with just ten minutes remaining, Michael Bostwick scoring his third goal in as many games when he made room for himself outside the area after a neat interchange with Scott Laird, before curling an effort that beat Nikki Bull in the Wycombe goal. The away side equalised deep into injury-time when Mark Roberts was adjudged to have halted Craig Eastmond's run into the area illegally; Grant Basey stepped up and converted the resultant penalty.{{cite news | access-date = 31 March 2012}}

Stevenage's nine game unbeaten run was ended on 6 April, losing 3–0 away to Tranmere Rovers courtesy of two early goals from on loan striker Jake Cassidy, and a second-half strike from Lucas Akins.{{cite news | access-date = 6 April 2012}} Three days later, on 9 April, Stevenage welcomed Preston North End to Broadhall Way, signalling the return of former manager Graham Westley, who left Stevenage in January 2012 to take up the vacant position at Deepdale. The game ended 1–1, stretching Stevenage's winless run to seven league games. Preston took the lead with just four minutes remaining, with substitute Iain Hume sliding the ball in from six yards out following Danny Mayor's through ball. Stevenage then equalised in the fourth minute of injury time, with captain Mark Roberts heading in Michael Bostwick's floated cross to ensure a share of the spoils.{{cite news | access-date = 9 April 2012}} The result meant that Stevenage were in ninth position, six points away from the final play-off place with just six games remaining. Stevenage travelled to in-form Yeovil Town five days after the draw with Preston, looking to secure a first away win in just under two months. Stevenage won the match 6–0, recording their biggest Football League victory to date, as well as recording the joint biggest away victory of 2011–12 League One campaign. Stevenage took an early lead in the match when Patrick Agyemang was played into the area by Craig Reid, Agyemang then squared the ball across goal for Luke Freeman to score from close range. Yeovil were reduced to ten men when Michael Woods fouled Michael Bostwick. Agyemang scored Stevenage's second goal when he collected Jamaal Lascelles long pass, before calmly beating Sam Walker in the Yeovil goal. Two goals within the space of three second half minutes put the game beyond doubt, with Jon Ashton and Lascelles scoring headers from set pieces. Mark Roberts added a fifth goal with ten minutes remaining — prodding in Freeman's centre. Freeman then scored his second, and Stevenage's sixth, when Jordan Slew made room down the right wing after a neat interchange with Agyemang, before finding Freeman at the back post to tap in from six yards out.{{cite news | access-date = 14 April 2012}} The club then welcomed play-off rivals Carlisle United to Broadhall Way, knowing that a defeat would virtually end the club's play-off hopes. Stevenage dominated the first-half, but were unable to take an advantage into the interval. The second half was a much more even affair, with both teams spurning goalscoring opportunities. The deadlock was broken with just fifteen minutes remaining, substitute John Mousinho, returning from a six-month injury lay-off, latched onto Stacy Long's chipped through ball, before crashing the ball into the goal off the crossbar.{{cite news |access-date=17 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628094449/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10839~61514%2C00.html |archive-date=28 June 2012 | access-date = 21 April 2012}} The third straight victory, coupled with Notts County's home loss to Bury, meant that Stevenage were back in the play-off places with just two games remaining. Stevenage then travelled to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United in a game that was televised live on Sky Sports on 28 April, and attracted a crowd of over 30,000 spectators. The game was an evening kick-off, meaning Stevenage had moved down to seventh in the league table as a result of Notts County's 4–3 win at Wycombe Wanderers earlier in the day. The game ended 2–2, with Stevenage taking a two-goal lead through strikes from Joel Byrom and Scott Laird, before Sheffield United's Richard Cresswell and Matthew Lowton restored parity. The draw meant that Stevenage had regained their place in sixth with just one game remaining.{{cite news | access-date = 28 April 2012}}

Similarly to the 2010–11 campaign, Stevenage faced Bury at home for the final game of the regular season. The team knew that a win against Bury would secure a place in the play-offs, irrespective of what both play-off rivals, Notts County and Carlisle United, did in their respective games. Stevenage won the match 3–0, opening the scoring midway through the first-half when Craig Reid quickly controlled Luke Freeman's left wing cross before striking the ball high into the roof of the net. News at half-time filtered around the stadium that Notts County were comfortably beating their opponents, Colchester United, and therefore nothing more than a win would suffice if Stevenage were to secure sixth place. Nerves were settled with ten minutes remaining when Robin Shroot was fouled in the area, and Joel Byrom stepped up to convert the spot-kick and double Stevenage's advantage. A third goal was added in injury-time when Shroot broke through the centre of midfield, before laying the ball out to substitute Chris Beardsley, who lashed in a shot at the near post that Bury goalkeeper Jonathan Bond could only get a hand to.{{cite news | access-date = 28 May 2012}}

• Note: Stevenage goals come first.

League One play-offs

As a result of Stevenage finishing sixth in the league, they faced third placed Sheffield United over two legs in the League One play-off semi-finals. Due to Sheffield United's higher standing in the league table, Stevenage had home advantage in the first leg, with the game being played on 11 May 2012, televised live on Sky Sports. The game was a tight affair with very little chances, ending in a 0–0 draw. The only chance of note during the game was Craig Reid's looping effort that beat Steve Simonsen in the Sheffield United goal, but rebounded off the crossbar.{{cite news |access-date = 11 May 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120515055615/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10839~61603,00.html |archive-date = 15 May 2012 |url-status = dead |access-date=14 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526131117/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10839~61604%2C00.html |archive-date=26 May 2012

• Note: Stevenage goals come first.

League Cup

Main article: 2011–12 Football League Cup

First Round fixtures for the competition were released on 16 June 2011, with Stevenage being drawn against Championship opposition in the form of Peterborough United at Broadhall Way.{{cite news | access-date = 16 June 2011}}{{cite news | access-date = 16 June 2011}} The match ended 4–3 to Peterborough, with the game having gone to extra-time. The visitors took the lead after twenty minutes, David Ball heading in from close range after a spell of Peterborough pressure. Stacy Long equalised for Stevenage with a sweeping shot following good work down the right wing from Lawrie Wilson. Ball then scored his second of the game to restore Peterborough's advantage in the second-half, before a late 25-yard effort from Michael Bostwick took the game to extra-time. Former Stevenage player George Boyd scored with a curling left-footed free-kick just six minutes into the added on period to give Peterborough the lead for the third time in the match. Substitute Chris Beardsley scored with a header from an acute angle with just three minutes remaining to tie the scores again, before Lee Tomlin converted from the penalty spot after Boyd had been fouled in the area to give Peterborough a late victory.{{cite news |access-date = 9 August 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120609121437/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10839~59942,00.html |archive-date = 9 June 2012 |url-status = dead

• Note: Stevenage goals come first.

FA Cup

Main article: 2011–12 FA Cup

The club entered the 2011–12 FA Cup at the First Round stage — only the second time the club had entered the competition at this stage since 1997.{{cite news | access-date = 20 July 2011}} The First Round draw was made on 29 October, with Stevenage facing an away trip to League One side Hartlepool United.{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2011}} | access-date = 29 October 2011 The game was played on 12 November, with Stevenage securing a 1–0 away win. Hartlepool were reduced to ten men after just eight minutes when goalkeeper Scott Flinders brought Chris Beardsley down in the area. Scott Laird scored the subsequent penalty and Stevenage held on to book a place in the Second Round.{{cite news |access-date = 12 November 2011 | access-date = 3 December 2011}} Stevenage progressed to the Third Round for the second consecutive season after they beat Stourbridge 3–0 courtesy of three second-half goals.{{cite news | access-date = 4 December 2011}} After a cagey first-half, Stevenage opened the scoring mid-way into the second period, with Chris Beardsley scoring from six yards out after Michael Bostwick's shot had been parried out by goalkeeper Lewis Solly. The away side doubled their advantage twelve minutes later when Beardsley converted Byron Harrison's centre. Substitute Robin Shroot scored in injury-time after Harrison's initial shot was saved.{{cite news | access-date = 3 December 2011}}

The Third Round draw was made a day after the Stourbridge victory, on 4 December, with the club being dealt an away tie against Championship club Reading.{{cite news | access-date = 8 January 2012}} The two sides had met the year before, with Reading knocking Stevenage out of the FA Cup during the 2010–11 campaign, beating Stevenage 2–1 at Broadhall Way in the fourth round. Stevenage travelled to the Madejski Stadium on 7 January 2012, winning the match 1–0 courtesy of a first-half Darius Charles strike. Charles' goal came after twenty minutes, when he collected the ball from Scott Laird before driving at goal, his shot took a deflection off of Kaspars Gorkšs and beat the outstretched Adam Federici in the Reading goal.{{cite news | access-date = 8 January 2012}} A day later, the fourth-round draw was made, with Stevenage being drawn against League One opposition for the second time in the 2011–12 competition, facing a home tie against Notts County.{{cite news | access-date = 30 January 2012}} The game was played on 28 January, with Stevenage securing a 1–0 victory at Broadhall Way. The game was also Gary Smith's first game in-charge, having been appointed as manager in the week prior to the game. The only goal of the match came in the first-half, with Luke Freeman getting to the ball ahead of Notts County goalkeeper Stuart Nelson, before lashing a shot across the face of goal that was deflected in off of Damion Stewart. | access-date = 28 January 2012 The victory meant that the club had reached the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history.{{cite news | access-date = 28 January 2012}}

The draw for the fifth round was made on 29 January, with Stevenage being dealt a home tie against Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. The game was played on 19 February, and was also televised on ITV, ending in a 0–0 draw.{{cite news | access-date = 19 February 2012}} Tottenham had the ball in the net early in the second-half, but Louis Saha's shot hit Scott Parker on the line, and the goal was consequently disallowed as a result of Parker being in an offside position. Stevenage's Joel Byrom had the hosts best efforts of the match with two long-range second-half strikes. Shortly after the game, the Quarter Final draw was made, with the winners of the tie facing a home game against Premier League side Bolton Wanderers.{{cite news | access-date = 11 March 2012}} The replay was played on 7 March, and the game was also televised live on ESPN. | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130420074532/http://tv.espn.co.uk/gb/espl/espn-news-updates/espn-news/espn-announces-fa-cup-sixth-round-televised-matches/ | url-status = dead | archive-date = 20 April 2013 | access-date = 11 March 2012 Tottenham ran out 3–1 winners at White Hart Lane. Stevenage took a surprise lead after just three minutes, Joel Byrom's bursting run into the area was unfairly halted by Ryan Nelsen, with the referee awarding a penalty. Byrom stepped up and stroked the ball past Carlo Cudicini in the Tottenham goal. Tottenham restored parity twenty minutes later when Jermain Defoe latched onto Gareth Bale's long ball and subsequently fired the ball into the net from the edge of the area. The home side won a penalty just after the interval, Bale winning the penalty after he was adjudged to have been fouled by Stevenage captain Mark Roberts — Emmanuel Adebayor scored the resulting penalty. Stevenage spurned a number of opportunities to draw level, before Tottenham then added a third late-on when Defoe ran onto Bale's long throw-in before finishing from an acute angle.{{cite news | access-date = 7 March 2012}}

• Note: Stevenage goals come first.

Football League Trophy

Main article: 2011–12 Football League Trophy

Stevenage were awarded a bye to the Second Round of the Football League Trophy. | access-date = 20 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120609121012/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10839~2388690,00.html | archive-date = 9 June 2012 | url-status = dead This is because the competition is split into Northern and Southern sections, with eight clubs in each section bypassing the First Round draw.{{cite news |access-date = 20 July 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110910223811/http://www.football-league.co.uk/johnstonespainttrophy/news/20110708/byes-announced-for-round-1_2293332_2388428 |archive-date = 10 September 2011 |url-status = dead | access-date = 20 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110529140942/http://www.johnstonespainttrophy.com/key-dates/fixtures/ | archive-date = 29 May 2011 | url-status = dead The draw was made on 3 September 2011, with Stevenage being dealt an away tie against AFC Wimbledon, with the game being played on 4 October 2011. | access-date = 3 September 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120612031108/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10839~2440451,00.html | archive-date = 12 June 2012 | url-status = dead The game ended 2–2, with AFC Wimbledon winning the tie 4–3 on penalties. Stevenage had taken the lead after just seven minutes, a Brett Johnson clearance hit the legs of Lawrie Wilson and deflected past AFC Wimbledon goalkeeper Jack Turner. The home side turned the game around shortly after the interval, scoring twice in the space of four second-half minutes. Former Stevenage player Sam Hatton restored parity from the penalty spot after Darius Charles had fouled Ryan Jackson, before Rashid Yussuff beat Alan Julian with a tidy finish. Stevenage captain Mark Roberts' 20-yard injury-time volley meant that the tie went to penalties, with AFC Wimbledon progressing to the Third Round after Wilson missed the final spot-kick.{{cite news |access-date=4 October 2011

• Note: Stevenage goals come first.

League table

Season statistics

| access-date = 29 May 2011}}

Starts and goals

|- !colspan="21"|Players who left the club before the end of the season |- |}

• Note: '+' denotes appearance as a substitute.
• Note: 'League One' column also includes League One play-offs.
• Note: Herts Senior Cup games and statistics not included.

End of Season Awards

Transfers

In

Out

Loans in

Loans out

References