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.
There will still be annoyance from some but for anyone of a Stevenage persuasion, this was a performance that would make your heart sing. All the reaction after the 1-0 win at Peterborough United, a victory that sent Boro back to the top of League One.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-r...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-r...
The Boro - Revs hails Stevenage DNA in win at Posh
All the news, views and ratings as Stevenage win 1-0 at Peterborough United
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:30 AM
There will still be annoyance from some but for anyone of a Stevenage persuasion, this was a performance that would make your heart sing. All the reaction after the 1-0 win at Peterborough United, a victory that sent Boro back to the top of League One.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-r...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-r...
Hard-fought, better, not pretty. Plenty to say about it but all that matters is Stevenage are back on top of League One. The match report after the 1-0 victory at Peterborough United.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/reid-all-a...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/reid-all-a...
Reid all about it as win at Peterborough sends Stevenage back to the top
The match report after the League One game at London Road
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Hard-fought, better, not pretty. Plenty to say about it but all that matters is Stevenage are back on top of League One. The match report after the 1-0 victory at Peterborough United.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/reid-all-a...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/reid-all-a...
From yesterday and something for you to get your teeth into ahead of the game at Peterborough. Four talking points to come out of Stevenage FC in the last week or so.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
November 25, 2025 at 9:31 AM
From yesterday and something for you to get your teeth into ahead of the game at Peterborough. Four talking points to come out of Stevenage FC in the last week or so.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
The ladies and the U18s are in Monday evening's edition but I also discuss four Stevenage FC talking points, including:
⚪️More evidence of the need for a reserve team
🔴Phil Wallace's intriguing programme notes
⚪️the current form in League One
🔴promotion
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
⚪️More evidence of the need for a reserve team
🔴Phil Wallace's intriguing programme notes
⚪️the current form in League One
🔴promotion
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
The Boro - Four talking points for Stevenage FC
Looking at all the news from inside and outside the League One club
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:11 PM
The ladies and the U18s are in Monday evening's edition but I also discuss four Stevenage FC talking points, including:
⚪️More evidence of the need for a reserve team
🔴Phil Wallace's intriguing programme notes
⚪️the current form in League One
🔴promotion
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
⚪️More evidence of the need for a reserve team
🔴Phil Wallace's intriguing programme notes
⚪️the current form in League One
🔴promotion
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
Any excuse to put Hebburn Town in the main picture. They are included in this week’s round-up of course, as are Welwyn Garden City, St Albans City and Potters Bar Town.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
Non-league Neil: November rain doesn't dampen spirits of Saints and Citizens
Latest non-league news from across Hertfordshire on November 22
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Any excuse to put Hebburn Town in the main picture. They are included in this week’s round-up of course, as are Welwyn Garden City, St Albans City and Potters Bar Town.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
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...