Stevenage Borough Vs Preston North End Match Preview
npower League One Saturday 10th November 2012
Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Lamex Stadium (Broadhall Way)
Referee: Stuart Attwell (click here for referee stats)
Betting Odds: Stevenage Borough 13/10 Draw 23/10 Preston North End 21/10
Form: Stevenage Borough LWWLLW Preston North End DLWDWD
A dramatic late equaliser from Irish striker Graham Cummins salvaged a point for the Lilywhites on Tuesday, masking what was otherwise a rather turgid affair under the Deepdale lights.
North End's inconsistency is what is preventing them from occupying a place in the much-coveted playoff positions.
However, in terms of results, North End have just one defeat in their last six in all competitions and are delicately poised to mount a push toward the playoff places.
Saturday's opponents are a stern a test as North End are likely to face in the coming months.
Gary Smith's Stevenage are currently joint top of League One and are proving to be a force in English football's third tier after a strong finish to last term and an even stronger start this year.
At the Lamex Stadium, or Broadhall Way with sponsorship deals aside, Boro have suffered just one defeat since last January meaning that coming away with three points is going to be a tall order, and in truth, an upset.
However, said defeat was their most recent deficit on their own patch - a 4-0 mauling to the hands of Paolo Di Canio's Swindon.
Previous Meetings (click here for head-to-head stats)
Thus far there have only been two meetings between North End and Stevenage, both ending in a draw.
The first was at Deepdale and, ironically, came exactly a year ago - 10th December.
That afternoon it was Graham Westley who was in charge of Stevenage as his Boro side left Lancashire with a point for their endeavours thanks to a 0-0 draw.
Current Lilywhites Scott Laird, Chris Beardsley and Joel Byrom were in the Stevenage team that afternoon.
The return fixture ended in a 1-1 draw despite taking the lead in the 85th minute through Iain Hume.
Mark Roberts equalised in the 90th minute, much to the misery of the travelling North End faithful.
Scott Laird and Joel Byrom lined up for Stevenage with John Mousinho having to make do with a place on the bench.
Team News
After laying on an assist for Graham Cummins' equaliser, winger Lee Holmes could find himself back in the starting eleven for the first time since August.
Likewise, the aforementioned Cummins' match saving goal could mean rare start for the former Cork City striker.
Winger Jeffrey Monakana is back in contention after sitting out Tuesday's draw with Carlisle through suspension but Paul Huntington is ruled out.
Graham Westley's injury worries worsen with midfield duo John Welsh and John Mousinho ruled out although the latter has stepped up his recovery from mumps and is nearing a return.
Shane Cansdell-Sherriff has been ruled out for a month whilst Lee Trundle isn't ready just yet.