Relegation. It’s a word that you didn’t associate with Stevenage Borough; at least, not before the 1987-8 Vauxhall Opel League Division One season. For a team that were no strangers to firsts and setting new records, this was one we probably would have been happier without. The first half of the campaign hadn’t been great, but it wasn’t exactly dismal either; there were no immediate signs of danger going into Christmas.
After, however, was a whole different ball game. An abject second half of the season saw Boro’ pulled right into the mire and there would be no escaping.
After a 2-0 win over Worthing on 9 January, we lost seven league games on the spin. Then, we went on a six-game streak without scoring in April; y’know, the time when points were needed the most. By the time we took three points at Basildon on the final day, we were already gone; three points adrift of safety and ‘boasting’ the most number of defeats (22). Well, except the hapless Wolverton Town (36).
