… in your Boro’ kit bag and smile, smile, smile. At least ’til 3pm Saturday, when we’re back indoors and back in action; hoping once more to do what’s known in football as a “goal”. It just ain’t happening in front of goal for us. Sure, we got a point at Mansfield last time out – but our four shots to their 22 sums up what we’re dealing with. You’d like to think we could land a few more jabs on the oppo this week when on home turf. But – gosh – it ain’t good.
So, ringin’ at the doorbell are Macclesfield Town. How’s this one going to turn out nil?
Stevenage v Macclesfield Town: The Preview…
Who are Macclesfield Town?
He did a grand ol’ job of keeping the Silkmen safe last term, but Sol Campbell hasn’t stuck around. Mutual consent is that old chestnut given for the ex-England defender leaving just three games into the season. Now, we’re up against a team led by former Boro’ midfielder Daryl McMahon. It’s a bit of a promotion for a boss last seen leaving National League side Ebbsfleet United in late 2018 by mutual consent. Still, nice to catch up with old friends eh?
What’s on the line, then? Well, we’re yet to lose to them in four Football League meetings.
Our Record vs Macclesfield Town: P 11 — W 4 — D 4 — L 3 — F 21 — A 12 — Pts 16
Last time out: Macclesfield Town 2-2 Stevenage, 23 March 2019
What’s their current form?
We’re not all that sure how we’re meant to interpret Macclesfield’s form so far this season. Look at the table and you’ll find them sitting fourth. But it’s from three wins and two draws. And that’s not exactly huge cause for alarm. After the opening day defeat at early leaders Exeter, their other loss was at home to Morecambe. And that’ll tell you nothing more than it’s early days. Six goals in five games, meanwhile, is par for the course in League Two.
Not for us, of course
Got a fun Macclesfield Town fact?
The Silkmen were the first-ever winners of the FA Trophy back in 1970.
What is love?
An abstract emotional concept created by 90s europop singer Haddaway to sell records.
What are the bookies saying?
We’re coming at this a little earlier than we’d like, but are the markets going to shift much? Who knows. The bookies aren’t sure what to make of this meeting. For a home win, it ain’t asking much to get yourself a price in the region of 49/20. The visitors, meanwhile, look to be coming up around 2s. It’s all to play for. Sorry, pay for. If you like a total punt in the dark to surprise you, Joel Byrom is 17/2 to be our first league goalscorer of the term at Betfair.
Who is Macclesfield Town’s danger mouse?
Scottish midfielder Theo Archibald arrived at Moss Rose on a freebie during the summer; showing plenty of early promise. With two goals already this season, our midfield will need to be on the ball to stop him bursting off the wing and adding to his tally.
Who is reffing this?
Scott Oldham. He’s four fixtures into the new season, but not trigger happy with his yellow and red cards – only the 11 names down in his little notepad so far. For us, we have a pair of previous meetings to look back on. Both of ’em were wins, so it’d be totes amazeballs if he fancies still being a lucky charm for Boro’.
Our Record: P 2 — W 2 — D 0 — L 0 — F 4 — A 1
Last time out: Carlisle United 0-1 Stevenage, 29 September 2018
And finally, what do you reckon?
Don’t call us crazy, but something tells us we might do a golazo or two this weekend. Part of the reason is ‘cos we’re going away and won’t be around for it. But, hey, worth using as an excuse for a holiday every week if it pays off. To be honest, we can’t (and won’t) go too much longer before we finally score. Maybe even win. And we’re backing us to do it here.
Stevenage v Macclesfield Town prediction: 2-1 – Two of the purest, shit-housing, arse-bouncing, penalty-box-pinball, scrappy goals you’ll ever see. It’ll be an absolute wonder.
