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.
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
HT: Stevenage 0 Chesterfield 0 - FA Cup first round
No added time needed and probably nobody wanted to see more of that. People will complain about the lack of penalties but some of the play from a few in white has been lackadaisical at best.
0-0
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
No added time needed and probably nobody wanted to see more of that. People will complain about the lack of penalties but some of the play from a few in white has been lackadaisical at best.
0-0
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
November 1, 2025 at 3:48 PM
HT: Stevenage 0 Chesterfield 0 - FA Cup first round
No added time needed and probably nobody wanted to see more of that. People will complain about the lack of penalties but some of the play from a few in white has been lackadaisical at best.
0-0
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
No added time needed and probably nobody wanted to see more of that. People will complain about the lack of penalties but some of the play from a few in white has been lackadaisical at best.
0-0
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
All about the FA Cup in today’s edition of The Boro with the preview for round one match between Stevenage and Chesterfield. Got the thoughts of manager Alex Revell as well as news from elsewhere.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #FACup
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-t...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #FACup
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-t...
The Boro - This is the FA Cup, we have to embrace that
A full preview of Stevenage v Chesterfield and much more
npmetcalfe.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 5:17 PM
All about the FA Cup in today’s edition of The Boro with the preview for round one match between Stevenage and Chesterfield. Got the thoughts of manager Alex Revell as well as news from elsewhere.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #FACup
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-t...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #FACup
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-t...
Definitely found their shooting boots in the second half. A super-six for Stevenage as they beat Eastbourne Borough in the FA Youth Cup. The match report from the Lamex.
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
Stevenage find their shooting boots to ease past Eastbourne Borough
The report from the 6-0 win in the FA Youth Cup first round tie
npmetcalfe.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Definitely found their shooting boots in the second half. A super-six for Stevenage as they beat Eastbourne Borough in the FA Youth Cup. The match report from the Lamex.
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
Even with this cruel defeat, it is another hugely positive moment for Stevenage this season. The latest edition of The Boro focuses on the ladies’ 4-3 loss to Norwich City in the Women’s FA Cup. That plus a whole lot more.
#HowayStevenage #UpTheBoro
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-c...
#HowayStevenage #UpTheBoro
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-c...
The Boro - Cruelty of exit can't mask the positives for Stevenage ladies
Beaten but not bowed after 4-3 FA Cup exit to Norwich City
npmetcalfe.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Even with this cruel defeat, it is another hugely positive moment for Stevenage this season. The latest edition of The Boro focuses on the ladies’ 4-3 loss to Norwich City in the Women’s FA Cup. That plus a whole lot more.
#HowayStevenage #UpTheBoro
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-c...
#HowayStevenage #UpTheBoro
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-c...
Another Monday, another set of fixtures in an FA competition, the FA Trophy this time. League matches too in a non-league round-up.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
Non-league Neil: Cheshunt and Stortford through in FA Trophy
Results and reaction from fixtures played on October 25
npmetcalfe.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Another Monday, another set of fixtures in an FA competition, the FA Trophy this time. League matches too in a non-league round-up.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
No shame in the draw, both sides felt they could have snatched the win. For Stevenage and manager Alex Revell though, this was another hard-earned point, vital at this stage. The latest edition of The Boro after the League One clash with Bradford City.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
The Boro - Stalemate with Bradford one more point in the bag
All the fallout from Stevenage's 1-1 draw at the Lamex
npmetcalfe.substack.com
October 26, 2025 at 9:16 AM
No shame in the draw, both sides felt they could have snatched the win. For Stevenage and manager Alex Revell though, this was another hard-earned point, vital at this stage. The latest edition of The Boro after the League One clash with Bradford City.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
Second v third at the start, the winner would go top of League One, but Stevenage and Bradford City could not be separated - drawing 1-1. The match report.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
Stevenage and Bradford City miss the chance to go top of League One
Second v third clash ends in a 1-1 draw
npmetcalfe.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Second v third at the start, the winner would go top of League One, but Stevenage and Bradford City could not be separated - drawing 1-1. The match report.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
Enjoyed the chat with Alex Revell as we looked ahead to Stevenage v Bradford City in League One. I focused on selection and the headaches that come as everyone seems to be putting in really good performances. That and a whole lot more in Thursday’s edition of The Boro.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
October 23, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Enjoyed the chat with Alex Revell as we looked ahead to Stevenage v Bradford City in League One. I focused on selection and the headaches that come as everyone seems to be putting in really good performances. That and a whole lot more in Thursday’s edition of The Boro.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage