2004-05

Stevenage Borough came as close to achieving the ultimate aim of Football League status as we had ever been in 2004-05, but it wasn’t quite to be. In spite of not always being at our best, Graham Westley put enough points on the board to qualify for the playoffs. It did, however, need Morecambe to drop points at Tamworth on the final day of term; the door left open for us to step on through. After making the final, Boro’ arguably had the better chances against Carlisle United.

The Cumbrians scored the all-important goal, though. Our best chance fell to Michael Warner(!). And we were left to contemplate yet another season in the Conference.

There was no shortage of iconic moments during the 2004-05 season either; Ritchie Hanlon making his debut down at Dagenham in goal, Andy Woodman gifting a costly corner to eventual champions Barnet and a remarkable 3-3 draw at Scarborough; Boro’ being three goals down in no time at all. It does gloss over some pretty dross days, but they were few and far between. Thankfully. And it did mean the bar had been raised for the next season.