Neil Metcalfe
@npmetcalfe.bsky.social
Freelance sports journalist, formerly for the Comet newspaper and more in Hertfordshire. Cover Stevenage FC and others. A cycling loving, Tottenham supporting Geordie from Hebburn.
Thoughts, report, reaction and ratings after Stevenage drew 0-0 at home with Doncaster Rovers in League One. EFL news the latest edition of The Boro.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #LeagueOne
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-g...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #LeagueOne
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-g...
The Boro - Good defensively but quality lacking on a wet Stevenage day
All the news after the League One game with Doncaster Rovers
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Thoughts, report, reaction and ratings after Stevenage drew 0-0 at home with Doncaster Rovers in League One. EFL news the latest edition of The Boro.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #LeagueOne
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-g...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #LeagueOne
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-g...
Not good, not good at all. The match report from a wet Broadhall Way as Stevenage and Doncaster Rovers draw 0-0 in League One.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
Dull and damp as Stevenage and Doncaster Rovers still searching for a win
The match report from the 0-0 draw at Broadhall Way
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Not good, not good at all. The match report from a wet Broadhall Way as Stevenage and Doncaster Rovers draw 0-0 in League One.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace calls on EFL to prevent death of football ‘as we know it’.
Thought I'd go old school with this and produce an actual news story. He makes good points, very good points.
#EFL #LeagueOne #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/phil-walla...
Thought I'd go old school with this and produce an actual news story. He makes good points, very good points.
#EFL #LeagueOne #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/phil-walla...
Phil Wallace calls on EFL chairmen to prevent death of football ‘as we know it’
Stevenage supremo says catastrophe is close if spending and costs keep increasing
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace calls on EFL to prevent death of football ‘as we know it’.
Thought I'd go old school with this and produce an actual news story. He makes good points, very good points.
#EFL #LeagueOne #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/phil-walla...
Thought I'd go old school with this and produce an actual news story. He makes good points, very good points.
#EFL #LeagueOne #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/phil-walla...
The sun was shining and all seemed right with the world. A preview of an actual football match - as Stevenage prepare to host Doncaster Rovers in League One. Manager Alex Revell looks forward to that plus a whole lot more in the Boro.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
The Boro - What's that you say? A football match? Preposterous!
A preview of Stevenage FC v Doncaster Rovers in League One
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:12 PM
The sun was shining and all seemed right with the world. A preview of an actual football match - as Stevenage prepare to host Doncaster Rovers in League One. Manager Alex Revell looks forward to that plus a whole lot more in the Boro.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
I started writing the second part of my FM26 career with Stevenage but it ended up completely different - more flippant, more of a dramatisation, a serial if you like, a small novella.
I really enjoyed it too so decided to rewrite part one in a similar vein.
#FM26 #UpTheBoro
I really enjoyed it too so decided to rewrite part one in a similar vein.
#FM26 #UpTheBoro
November 20, 2025 at 10:06 AM
I started writing the second part of my FM26 career with Stevenage but it ended up completely different - more flippant, more of a dramatisation, a serial if you like, a small novella.
I really enjoyed it too so decided to rewrite part one in a similar vein.
#FM26 #UpTheBoro
I really enjoyed it too so decided to rewrite part one in a similar vein.
#FM26 #UpTheBoro
This one felt better. This one felt like an actual piece of work. Helps of course when there is an actual game to look at. Another win for Stevenage ladies dominates Monday’s edition of The Boro. Subscribe for all the Stevenage news.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
The Boro - Stevenage women make it 10 unbeaten in the league
A 5-1 win at Bowers & Pitsea keeps the good times rolling
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:08 PM
This one felt better. This one felt like an actual piece of work. Helps of course when there is an actual game to look at. Another win for Stevenage ladies dominates Monday’s edition of The Boro. Subscribe for all the Stevenage news.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
The rain came but did not disrupt, well not that much anyway. A non-league football round-up from the FA Trophy, Southern and Isthmian leagues and Spartan Prem.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
Non-league Neil - Love to feel the rain at football time
News from a wet Saturday, November 15
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:53 AM
The rain came but did not disrupt, well not that much anyway. A non-league football round-up from the FA Trophy, Southern and Isthmian leagues and Spartan Prem.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
It’s like Stevenage have shut down for a fortnight. It seems everything has stopped. Isn’t great for me, lost a couple of subscribers this week but taking time to revaluate and come back stronger. Can’t wait until some sort of normal service resumes though.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
The Boro - Stuck pretending to be a football manager instead of a football journalist
Another blank weekend for Stevenage in a long spell without games
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:04 AM
It’s like Stevenage have shut down for a fortnight. It seems everything has stopped. Isn’t great for me, lost a couple of subscribers this week but taking time to revaluate and come back stronger. Can’t wait until some sort of normal service resumes though.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
What do you write when there is nothing to write about? You might not think I’ve managed to do that but I have written something as Stevenage sit through an enforced international break. The news I've found includes the Vertu Trophy draw and another win for the U18s.
#UpTheBoro
#UpTheBoro
November 13, 2025 at 5:23 PM
What do you write when there is nothing to write about? You might not think I’ve managed to do that but I have written something as Stevenage sit through an enforced international break. The news I've found includes the Vertu Trophy draw and another win for the U18s.
#UpTheBoro
#UpTheBoro
‘Business as usual’ is a phrase used by the U18s and independently both boss Nick Mountford and skipper Alfie Thornett said it to me last night. The 2-1 win for Stevenage over Merstham in the FA Youth Cup was anything but straight forward but they did get the job done.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
November 11, 2025 at 9:49 AM
‘Business as usual’ is a phrase used by the U18s and independently both boss Nick Mountford and skipper Alfie Thornett said it to me last night. The 2-1 win for Stevenage over Merstham in the FA Youth Cup was anything but straight forward but they did get the job done.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
Hard-earned but Stevenage go through in FA Youth Cup with late winner against Merstham. The match report.
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/brown-send...
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/brown-send...
Brown sends Stevenage into the next round of FA Youth Cup with late penalty
All the action from the round two match at Broadhall Way against Merstham
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Hard-earned but Stevenage go through in FA Youth Cup with late winner against Merstham. The match report.
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/brown-send...
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/brown-send...
HT: Stevenage 0 Merstham 0 - FA Youth Cup
The visitors have given as good as they've got. Not too many clear-cut chances but feels like Woodford has had to deal with more than Bassom.
0-0
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
The visitors have given as good as they've got. Not too many clear-cut chances but feels like Woodford has had to deal with more than Bassom.
0-0
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
November 10, 2025 at 8:19 PM
HT: Stevenage 0 Merstham 0 - FA Youth Cup
The visitors have given as good as they've got. Not too many clear-cut chances but feels like Woodford has had to deal with more than Bassom.
0-0
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
The visitors have given as good as they've got. Not too many clear-cut chances but feels like Woodford has had to deal with more than Bassom.
0-0
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
This was done and put out this morning but forgot to push it. Some of the non-league action including a win for Harpenden Town and the first match in charge of Potters Bar Town for the returning Sammy Moore.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
Non-league Neil - New boss at Potters Bar but the Moore era starts with a defeat
News of matches from Saturday, November 8 including the FA Vase
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:31 PM
This was done and put out this morning but forgot to push it. Some of the non-league action including a win for Harpenden Town and the first match in charge of Potters Bar Town for the returning Sammy Moore.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
Busy night for The Boro. Sitting at Broadhall Way as I wait for the FA Youth Cup tie between Stevenage and Merstham. Before that though, here is news of how the ladies got on this weekend and some considered thoughts on the men’s loss to Reading.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-l...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-l...
The Boro - Ladies picking up the wins even if the men have stalled
The latest news from Stevenage FC
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Busy night for The Boro. Sitting at Broadhall Way as I wait for the FA Youth Cup tie between Stevenage and Merstham. Before that though, here is news of how the ladies got on this weekend and some considered thoughts on the men’s loss to Reading.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-l...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-l...
FM26 is out and you can become manager at Stevenage FC. However, you can also do this - a five-year simulation to see Boro's life in 2030 and what strange things happen. Something a bit different to make up for the fixtures in reality being all over the shop.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-2...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-2...
November 9, 2025 at 10:42 AM
FM26 is out and you can become manager at Stevenage FC. However, you can also do this - a five-year simulation to see Boro's life in 2030 and what strange things happen. Something a bit different to make up for the fixtures in reality being all over the shop.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-2...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-2...
As I expect Boro to be trending on here soon, here's the latest edition of The Boro, looking at Stevenage's 1-0 loss away to Reading last night in League One. Have I said Boro enough yet? No? Ah well, up the Boro!
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #StevenageFC
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-a...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #StevenageFC
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-a...
The Boro - Auf wiedersehen to the top of the table after loss to Reading
Reaction, player ratings and opinion after Stevenage lost 1-0 in League One
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:02 PM
As I expect Boro to be trending on here soon, here's the latest edition of The Boro, looking at Stevenage's 1-0 loss away to Reading last night in League One. Have I said Boro enough yet? No? Ah well, up the Boro!
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #StevenageFC
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-a...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #StevenageFC
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-a...
I had problems on here last night so the (delayed) match report as Stevenage lost 1-0 away to Reading in League One.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/slow-start...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/slow-start...
Slow start and big miss cost Stevenage at Reading
The match report from the 1-0 League One loss in Berkshire
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:19 AM
I had problems on here last night so the (delayed) match report as Stevenage lost 1-0 away to Reading in League One.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/slow-start...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/slow-start...
Hearing the Auf Wiedersehen Pet theme tune at a match will probably always be the highlight of an evening. I just didn't realise by how much it would be last night. All the reaction, ratings and some of the thoughts after @StevenageFC lost 1-0 to Reading in League One.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
November 7, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Hearing the Auf Wiedersehen Pet theme tune at a match will probably always be the highlight of an evening. I just didn't realise by how much it would be last night. All the reaction, ratings and some of the thoughts after @StevenageFC lost 1-0 to Reading in League One.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
At Bragbury End this afternoon to talk Stevenage v Reading with manager Alex Revell. Also got his thoughts on the Bolton postponement, his new contract and news of a name change at the ground. The usual Thursday preview brought forward 24 hours.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
November 5, 2025 at 5:32 PM
At Bragbury End this afternoon to talk Stevenage v Reading with manager Alex Revell. Also got his thoughts on the Bolton postponement, his new contract and news of a name change at the ground. The usual Thursday preview brought forward 24 hours.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
From yesterday, Alex Revell on should Stevenage get an U21 team/reserve team.
"That’s a question we’ve probably got to answer and plan for, potentially with what goes on this year with us. There’s definitely an argument for it, without a doubt."
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
"That’s a question we’ve probably got to answer and plan for, potentially with what goes on this year with us. There’s definitely an argument for it, without a doubt."
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
The Boro - Should Stevenage get an U21 or reserve team?
Alex Revell discusses the old conundrum which may be coming closer
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:41 PM
From yesterday, Alex Revell on should Stevenage get an U21 team/reserve team.
"That’s a question we’ve probably got to answer and plan for, potentially with what goes on this year with us. There’s definitely an argument for it, without a doubt."
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
"That’s a question we’ve probably got to answer and plan for, potentially with what goes on this year with us. There’s definitely an argument for it, without a doubt."
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
We all know the reasons why they don’t have one but is now the time to say Stevenage should invest in an U21 side or perhaps a reserve/B team? I put that question to Alex Revell. That and plenty more in Monday’s edition of The Boro.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
The Boro - Should Stevenage get an U21 or reserve team?
Alex Revell discusses the old conundrum which may be coming closer
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:19 PM
We all know the reasons why they don’t have one but is now the time to say Stevenage should invest in an U21 side or perhaps a reserve/B team? I put that question to Alex Revell. That and plenty more in Monday’s edition of The Boro.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
The FA Cup was a chastening experience for Stevenage this year but there were others who had better days, and there were some who had good days in the league too. My non-league round-up which also includes a change of manager at Potters Bar Town.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
Non-league Neil - Hemel pride despite penalties loss to Wigan Athletic
FA Cup giant-killing for some as League One sides beaten
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 11:11 AM
The FA Cup was a chastening experience for Stevenage this year but there were others who had better days, and there were some who had good days in the league too. My non-league round-up which also includes a change of manager at Potters Bar Town.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
I was still grumpy when I did these player ratings last night but I stand by them now. It wasn’t good enough, which was the point of manager Alex Revell too. The reaction, ratings and fallout after Stevenage lost 1-0 to Chesterfield in the FA Cup.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-2...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-2...
The Boro - Performance was not acceptable says shocked Alex Revell
Reaction, ratings and opinion after Stevenage lost 1-0 to Chesterfield in the FA Cup
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 2, 2025 at 12:12 PM
I was still grumpy when I did these player ratings last night but I stand by them now. It wasn’t good enough, which was the point of manager Alex Revell too. The reaction, ratings and fallout after Stevenage lost 1-0 to Chesterfield in the FA Cup.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-2...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-2...
The match report as Chesterfield shock Stevenage for a deserved FA Cup win.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
Chesterfield stun Stevenage to claim deserved FA Cup win
The report from the giant-killing at the Lamex
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 5:08 PM
The match report as Chesterfield shock Stevenage for a deserved FA Cup win.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
FT: Stevenage 0 Chesterfield 1 - FA Cup
A deserved win for the League Two side. Woeful from Boro. Report to come.
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
A deserved win for the League Two side. Woeful from Boro. Report to come.
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
November 1, 2025 at 4:57 PM
FT: Stevenage 0 Chesterfield 1 - FA Cup
A deserved win for the League Two side. Woeful from Boro. Report to come.
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
A deserved win for the League Two side. Woeful from Boro. Report to come.
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage