A testing 14-year wait came to an end in the 2009-10 season; Stevenage Borough finally reaching the promised land of the Football League. Quite simply, we had been dominant; breaking records along the way too. If not for the demise of Chester City, the points tally would have been into three figures.
We lost just five times in the league too.
In the FA Cup, Boro’ gave it a good go against Port Vale. An uncharacteristic mistake by Mark Roberts, however, in our first round replay decided it for the Valiants. And in the FA Trophy, meanwhile, a historic non-league double was well within sight.
The last remaining barrier to that notable feat was Barrow. And things were going to plan as Boro’ took the lead at Wembley. But Boro’ were reduced to 10 men and were taken to extra time; a period in which an awful injury to Charlie Griffin saw us finish with nine men.
To add insult to that injury, Barrow found the all-important second goal to lift the Trophy and leave a slightly sour taste in our mouths at the end of a wonderful campaign.
