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Neil Metcalfe

@npmetcalfe.bsky.social

222 followers 171 following 1.2K 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 · 11/10/2026

I recognise that song...

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

I thought it was a good win with a performance that did not necessarily capture Stevenage at their best. That should rightly be celebrated though - a win with space to grow and get better isn't bad in the slightest. Reaction to the 1-0 win over Wigan. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

The Boro - You don’t always have to be brilliant but it’s always brilliant to win

Stevenage 1 Wigan Athletic 0 - report, reaction and player ratings from the League One game

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

This was meant to come out tomorrow. Ah well, you’ve got it early. Reaction to Stevenage winning 1-0 at home to Wigan Athletic in League One. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

The Boro - You don’t always have to be brilliant but it’s always brilliant to win

Stevenage 1 Wigan Athletic 0 - report, reaction and player ratings from the League One game

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

Controversially probably, but Be Here Now.

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

FT: Stevenage 1 Wigan Athletic 0 - League One Does it matter if a win is achieved when a team is not at their best? Not in the slightest. The match report from the League One game.

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

FT: Stevenage 1 Wigan Athletic 0 - League One Does it matter if a win is achieved when a team is not at their best? Not in the slightest. The match report from the League One game.

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

FT: Stevenage 1 Wigan Athletic 0 - League One Not vintage but a Boro win. Report and reaction to come in The Boro later.

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

Team news for Stevenage v Wigan Athletic in League One: International quartet Tommy Setford, Dan Phillips, Josh Magennis and Terence Vancooten back in. Dan Barden, Jordan Houghton, Kaelan Casey and Phoenix Patterson coming out.

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Stevenage 2 Leicester City 1 - reaction and ratings, includes: 🔴two players marked over 8 ⚪️why it was a defensive masterclass 🔴was one selection for the home game with Wigan leaked? ⚪️a few niggles to fret over 🔴the confidence and battle for places npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-1...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

‘Heroic’ Stevenage firmly on the cup trail after a defensive masterclass against Leicester

Stevenage 2 Leicester City 1 - report, reaction and player ratings from the EFL Trophy game at Broadhall Way

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Often these games are played at less than full tilt. This one felt like a proper battle and was thoroughly enjoyable, well, from a Stevenage point of view anyway. Reaction from Alex Revell and those all-important player ratings as Boro beat Leicester City 2-1 in the EFL Trophy.

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

FT: Stevenage 2 Leicester City 1 - EFL Trophy A decent win for Boro, thanks to goals from Wanya Marcal and Olly Sanderson, and a determined defensive effort. The match report. #StevenageFC #LeicesterCityFC #EFLTrophy npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

Stevenage close in on qualification to knockouts with win over Leicester

Stevenage 2 Leicester City 1 - the match report from the EFL Trophy group game

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

FT: Stevenage 2 Leicester City 1 - EFL Trophy Goals from Wanya Marcal and Olly Sanderson enough to put Boro on the verge of qualification from the group. Report to come. 2-1 #StevenageFC #LeicesterCityFC #EFLTrophy

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

HT: Stevenage 1 Leicester City 0 - EFL Trophy Marcal with the goal against his former club. Leicester have had more of the chances and better ones too, but Stevenage have defended fairly well. Boro can get better in attack too. #StevenageFC #LeicesterCityFC #EFLTrophy

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Reposted by Neil Metcalfe

Steve Ellwood @tynesnapper.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

#NewcastleUponTyne How many folk still use this term❓- Market Street, Newcastle upon Tyne on this day 6th October 2022.

Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Outnumbered in the press box and judging by the numbers in blue outside, outnumbered in the ground potentially. Never mind that though, we're back baby. Stevenage v Leicester City in the Bergerac Jim trophy. All the action to come in The Boro.

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Neil Metcalfe @npmetcalfe.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Back to match reporting tonight for Stevenage v Leicester City in the Bergerac Jim trophy. Two and half weeks since I last put pen to paper at a game, or finger to keyboard anyway. All the action to come in The Boro later.

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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

Whether this is a flash in the pan or truly the beginning of a new era at Boro remains to be seen, but it was one hell of a day out. The report, the reaction of Stevenage's Olly Sanderson and Dan Kemp plus the player ratings which, spoiler, are all high. npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-b...

npmetcalfe.substack.com

Dan Kemp: We knew this result was coming and it was down to us to prove it

Barnsley 1 Stevenage 5 - report, reaction and ratings from the League One game at Oakwell

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

Read that and much more from Stevenage's draw at Peterborough United in League One, here: npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-p...

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

Boro's Alex Revell on West Ham's Kaelan Casey: "I challenge any U21 to look at what he’s done. He privately messaged Carl Piergianni asking how he defends crosses. "You don’t get that. It’s incredible, an incredible appetite. "As soon as I heard that, I knew he was the right type for us."

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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

What will be will be today. As fans we react to moments, and a bid on deadline day for one of your stars is not ideal. But people behind the scenes will have had conversations over the last week or two or more. You might not get the planned replacement but you will get something.

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

Time for some early reflection in among the chaos: 🔴you can't begrudge a move to the Champ for Marschall ⚪️the money will be monumental, even with the sell-on to Villa 🔴the club will have planned for this ⚪️Barden is a good keeper, I trust him to shine

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