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Neil Metcalfe

@npmetcalfe.bsky.social

220 followers 171 following 1.1K posts

Freelance sports journalist, formerly for the Comet newspaper and more in Hertfordshire. Cover Stevenage FC and others. A cycling loving, Tottenham supporting Geordie from Hebburn.

Posts Replies Media

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

International breaks are stupid. For one thing, I had to actual use my noggin to think of something for this edition. I know, right? I did come up with a few thoughts on Stevenage so far though, as well as news of loan players, the women and League One. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-t...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

The Boro: Thoughts on Stevenage in an international break - part one

Stevenage are stuck in the middle of a lengthy international break, so consider this a half-term report of sorts

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

The general phrase or word needed after Stevenage lost 1-0 to Leyton Orient in League One is sick. And not in the hip way the kids use the word, sick as in the proverbial. There were positives that shouldn’t be lost, but yes, frustrating. Reaction and player ratings from Brisbane Road.

npmetcalfe.substack.com

Sick as a Revell - Stevenage boss laid low before suffering through the loss at Orient

Leyton Orient 1 Stevenage 0 - the reaction and player ratings from a disappointing afternoon at Brisbane Road

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

FT: Leyton Orient 1 Stevenage 0 - League One It only took one shot on target but Alex Gilbert’s goal on 80 minutes was the difference to beat rivals Stevenage. The match report from Brisbane Road. #StevenageFC #LeytonOrientFC #LeagueOne npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/orient-sna...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

Orient snatch win over Stevenage with late strike

Leyton Orient 1 Stevenage 0 - the match report from the League One game at Brisbane Road

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

FT: Leyton Orient 1 Stevenage 0 - League One Boro will feel they should have done far better as they lose to an 80th minute Alex Gilbert goal, Orient's only shot on target all afternoon. Report to come. 1-0 #StevenageFC #LeytonOrientFC #LeagueOne

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

HT: Leyton Orient 0 Stevenage 0 - League One Not a great half of football. Boro lacking much movement in the attacking third meaning any ball that arrives is slow and to a static player. Plenty to improve on. 0-0 #StevenageFC #LeytonOrientFC #LeagueOne

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Team news for Stevenage as they face Leyton Orient away in League One. One change from the win over Luton Town: In comes Ben Broggio for Jordan Roberts who is injured. The hole left on the bench by Broggio's promotion is filled by the returning Phoenix Patterson.

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I actually enjoyed the ‘debate’ over whether Stevenage v Luton Town was a derby, a rivalry or neither. Very impassioned views on all sides. One side is smiling today though, so here’s the reaction, report and ratings as Boro beat the Hatters in League One. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

Call it what you want but that was a good win for Stevenage

Stevenage 2 Luton Town 1 - the report, reaction and ratings from the League One clash

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

FT: Stevenage 2 Luton Town 1 - League One For something that isn’t a derby that was an intense game at times but goals from Dan Kemp and Josh Magennis was enough for Boro to win. The match report. #StevenageFC #LutonTownFC #LeagueOne

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

FT: Stevenage 2 Luton Town 1 - League One Kemp and Magennis for Boro before Andersen hauled one back for Luton. But there was no comeback for the Hatters, who had manager Jack Wilshere sent off in the first half. Report to come. 2-1 #StevenageFC #LutonTownFC #LeagueOne

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

HT: Stevenage 1 Luton Town 0 - League One Dan Kemp's goal the difference in a blood and guts, intense derby/rivalry/neither (delete as appropriate). Jack Wilshere sent off too. Quiet night in Hertfordshire really... 1-0 #StevenageFC #LutonTownFC #LeagueOne

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

I'll try this again but without my stupidity. Team news for Stevenage v Luton Town in League One. One change from that great win at Barnsley on Saturday, Louis Thompson in for Terry Taylor who is out of the squad with injury. Newest signing Matt Smith comes onto the bench.

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

From one of my favourite bits of commentary to what could well be my best away day this season. There was nothing but positive vibes coming away from Oakwell as Stevenage turned on the style to thrash Barnsley 5-1 in League One.

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

FT: Barnsley 1 Stevenage 5 - League One Much later than planned but still very much worth creating for prosperity. Wonderful victory for Boro who found their attacking touch in style. The match report. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

Five alive! Stevenage stun Barnsley with wonderful victory

Barnsley 1 Stevenage 5 - the match report from the League One game at Oakwell

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

HT: Barnsley 1 Stevenage 1 - League One Boro level late on thanks to Olly Sanderson's third of the season, and the great thing is they haven't even got into second gear yet. So much more to come, so much to make better.

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Team news for Stevenage at Barnsley. Two changes for the draw with Peterborough in the week. Tommy Setford and Jordan Roberts in for Daniel Barden and the injured Phoenix Patterson. The thing I like though, only two players with numbers outside of 1-11. So close to perfection...

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

My interview with Alex Revell got chaotic as he didn't know what had or hadn't happened, what he could and couldn't say. We still managed to come up with some very good stuff though, especially round the loans of Jack Taylor, Dan Butler and Kaelan Casey. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-p...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

Revell proud as the Stevenage ‘bite’ returns in Peterborough stalemate

Peterborough United 0 Stevenage 0 - report, reaction, ratings from the League One game, plus a transfer deadline day round-up

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Alex Revell was a different man, almost relaxed on what must have been a mental day for him. The rest of us seem happier too. Still work to do but there seems less pot holes on the road ahead. Reaction and ratings as Stevenage drew 0-0 at Peterborough. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-p...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

Revell proud as the Stevenage ‘bite’ returns in Peterborough stalemate

Peterborough United 0 Stevenage 0 - report, reaction, ratings from the League One game, plus a transfer deadline day round-up

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

FT: Peterborough United 0 Stevenage 0 - League One A third draw in four for Boro but still no win. Had their chances too but couldn’t find a breakthrough. The report from the League One game at London Road. #StevenageFC #PeterboroughUnitedFC #LeagueOne npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/peterborou...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

Stevenage still searching for a victory but claim another League One draw

Peterborough United 0 Stevenage 0 - the match report from the transfer deadline day League One clash at London Road

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

HT: Peterborough United 0 Stevenage 0 - League One Not a bad half for either side but no quality at crucial moments. Boro have forced the keeper into work while Posh have arguably had the better chances, but Barden untested so far. #StevenageFC #PeterboroughUnitedFC #LeagueOne

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Filip Marschall to Millwall appears to be happening. Jamie Reid to Reading has happened. A busy transfer deadline day ahead for Stevenage, never mind the small matter of a game with Peterborough later.

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

A lot to digest in today's edition of The Boro, aside from the League One match with Doncaster Rovers itself. Transfers were discussed, both in and out, as was Jamie Reid's absence. And there's the player ratings too, with a few 7s and one 4. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

The Boro - Splish, splash Stevenage almost cleaned up, but they were almost washed out too

Stevenage 2 Doncaster Rovers 2 - report, reaction and ratings from the League One game

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

FT: Stevenage 2 Doncaster Rovers 2 - League One. It had a bit of everything this, including the possibility of an abandonment. Both sides will think they should have won too. Neither did. The report. #StevenageFC #DoncasterRoversFC #LeagueOne npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

Stevenage and Doncaster splash their way to an entertaining stalemate

Stevenage 2 Doncaster Rovers 2 - the match report from the League One game at the Sporta Arena, Broadhall Way

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

FT: Stevenage 2 Doncaster Rovers 2 - League One Crazy second half. Both could have won it and it could easily have been abandoned. Report to come. #StevenageFC #DoncasterRoversFC #LeagueOne

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

HT: Stevenage 0 Doncaster Rovers 0 - League One A lot more positive for Boro but Simkin has been equal to the chances they've had a go from. You imagine Doncaster will be better after the break. Hopefully Boro are too. 0-0 #StevenageFC #DoncasterRoversFC #LeagueOne

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Here's to a much more fruitful outing today as Stevenage host Doncaster Rovers in League One. Before that though, I have some calming, therapeutic thoughts on the start to this season, well, they helped me anyway. Preview of today's game in The Boro. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-t...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

The Boro - Trying to make sense of Stevenage’s start to the season

Stevenage are back at home against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday and could really do with a win and a good performance. Thoughts of the poor start and more.

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

My brain spewed forth a whole lot of thoughts and feelings after the loss to Reading on Tuesday so I wrote them down. They feature heavily in this, a preview of Stevenage v Doncaster Rovers in League One. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-t...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

The Boro - Trying to make sense of Stevenage’s start to the season

Stevenage are back at home against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday and could really do with a win and a good performance. Thoughts of the poor start and more.

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Woke up with things in my head about the current situation and mood at Stevenage so I've got them out of there and onto paper (or screen anyway). They'll form part of tomorrow's pre-Doncaster edition but for now, here's the reaction v Reading last night. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

The Boro - An empty feeling inside as Stevenage’s Carabao Cup hopes fizzle out

Stevenage 0 Reading 3 - report, reaction and player ratings from the Carabao Cup second round clash

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

No getting away from it. There’s now a real sense of frustration, fear and trepidation about the season ahead in all those connected with Stevenage. Something I need to delve into but for now the fallout from Boro's 3-0 Carabao Cup loss at home to Reading. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

The Boro - An empty feeling inside as Stevenage’s Carabao Cup hopes fizzle out

Stevenage 0 Reading 3 - report, reaction and player ratings from the Carabao Cup second round clash

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

FT: Stevenage 0 Reading 3 - Carabao Cup Second half was better but does that paper over the cracks that were way too evident in the first half. The match report. #StevenageFC #ReadingFC #CarabaoCup npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

First half slump sends Stevenage out of Carabao Cup

Stevenage 0 Reading 3 - the match report from the Carabao Cup second round tie

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

FT: Stevenage 0 Reading 3 - Carabao Cup Much better after the break but worryingly didn't score and even more worryingly, conceded three at home. Report to come. #StevenageFC #ReadingFC #CarabaoCup

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

HT: Stevenage 0 Reading 2 - Carabao Cup It's dead in here and this score so far is not helping. Sloppy goals to give away and only flashes of attacking possibilities. Going to be some comeback this... 0-2 #StevenageFC #ReadingFC #CarabaoCup

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Sun starting to set behind me in the West Stand but still covering most of the pitch. Means I'm all set for the Carabao Cup second round tie between Stevenage and Reading. Report, reaction and much more to come via The Boro.

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

My game tonight in the Carabao Cup second round - Stevenage v Reading. A full match report on the final whistle with reaction and player ratings to follow, all in The Boro. The reaction from Saturday's League One game is here: npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-d...

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Confirmation from Stevenage that the East Terrace is closed tomorrow night for the Carabao Cup game with Reading at the Sporta Arena. Follows "a pre-match review by our safety team this afternoon". Rest of the ground is open as usual.

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Stevenage 1 Oxford United 2 - League One Report, reaction and ratings on a day that started full of promise for Boro but ended with too much desperation from the home players according to manager Alex Revell. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-d...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

The Boro - Stevenage turned ‘desperate’ in loss to Oxford says Revell

Stevenage 1 Oxford United 2 - report, reaction, ratings and more after the League One clash

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

FT: Stevenage 1 Oxford United 2 - a deserved win in the end for the visitors as a double substitution brought the breakthrough. The match report from League One. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

Stevenage sunk by subs as Oxford clinch frantic win

Stevenage 1 Oxford United 2 - The match report from the League One match at the Sporta Arena

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

FT: Stevenage 1 Oxford United 2 - League One Roberts scored with almost the last kick but Oxford take the points. Report to come. #StevenageFC #OxfordUnited #LeagueOne

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

HT: Stevenage 0 Oxford United 0 - League One Boro did have a little purple patch late on in the half but there has been little between these two, few chances either. An injury for both too. #StevenageFC #OxfordUnited #LeagueOne

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Team news for Stevenage v Oxford United in League One shows three changes from the draw at Burton. In come Josh Magennis, Saxon Earley and Jasper Pattenden. Luther Wildin injured, Jordan Roberts and Phoenix Patterson moved to the bench. No Michael Mellon at all.

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

I'm in. Not the squad, that would be worrying to say the least. Inside the ground and ready for Stevenage v Oxford United in League One. All the action to come in The Boro later.

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Stadium sponsor found. Broadhall Way will be known as the Sporta Arena for the next 10 seasons after Stevenage came to agreement with the new financial institution. Full story below: npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

‘All to play for’ - Stevenage announce Sporta as stadium sponsor

Broadhall Way, home of League One Stevenage FC, will be known as the Sporta Arena for the coming season and beyond.

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

It's a simple question and one that will be rattling round the brains of the Stevenage management team today, and hopefully some of the players too. A great point at Burton but they didn't deserve it at all. The latest edition of The Boro. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/why-werent...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

Why weren't we at our best? A question for Stevenage to ponder after the late draw at Burton

Burton Albion v Stevenage - report, reaction and ratings from Boro's first League One game of the season

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Burton Albion 1 Stevenage 1 - League One. Olly Sanderson the hero for Boro with a 91st minute equaliser, but even the most staunchest of Stevenage fans will say that was fortunate. The match report. #StevenageFC #BurtonAlbion #LeagueOne npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/burton-v-s...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

Stevenage conjure up another late goal after almost brewing up an opening day shocker

Burton Albion 1 Stevenage 1 - the match report from day of the new League One season

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

FT: Burton Albion 1 Stevenage 1 - League One There's a small and probably one-sided debate to be had as to whether Boro deserved that, but another late goal hands them an opening day point. Report to come. #StevenageFC #BurtonAlbion #LeagueOne

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

HT: Burton Albion 0 Stevenage 0 - League One Burton should be way clear by now. Boro have barely had any possession, barely managed to find a meaningful pass and one shot that was lucky to be called that. #StevenageFC #BurtonAlbion #LeagueOne

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

No surprises as Stevenage the same starting XI for the third game in a row, if you include the Colchester friendly. Seven subs instead of nine this week, Houghton and Malcolm return after personal leave against Wycombe. No Butler, Pattenden, Jack Taylor and Knight.

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Almost didn't get in but here I am. Day one of the new League One season is Burton Albion v Stevenage. Report to come on the final whistle with full edition of The Boro out tomorrow morning.

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Fantasy EFL starts tomorrow and I've created a league for it (binned The Comet one). Link is below and it is open to all, although I know it'll mostly be Stevenage fans. fantasy.efl.com/league/join/...

fantasy.efl.com

Fantasy EFL is live for the 2026/27 season! Pick your team of 7 players and 2 clubs from across the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two each week for a chance to win some amazing prizes!

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

No pre-match press conference for me this week but you still get a preview of Stevenage’s trip to Burton Albion, and I ponder whether a good start to this League One season is really imperative? npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-b...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

The Boro - Is it really imperative Stevenage get a good start this season?

Technically a preview for Burton Albion v Stevenage in League One but with a twist

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

The pre-Burton press conference is tomorrow, not today, and unfortunately I can't make that. I will pull something together for The Boro as way of a preview though, out later. Meanwhile, here's my League One club-by-club preview. #HowayStevenage npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-p...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

The Boro - Predicting the League One season

A prediction as to how the League One season will finish in 2027. Where do Stevenage feature?

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