A record-breaking start for Stevenage

As we roll into October, it has been a time of year when we’ve recorded some pretty notable results. But forgive us for overlooking the 1-0 win at Luton Town (September 29, 2009), Craig Dobson’s last-gasp winner at home against Woking (October 3, 2006) and a humbling 4-1 home defeat to Canvey Island (October 5, 2004) in this latest look back in time.

And we’re not going to concentrate on a 3-2 FA Cup win at home to Burnham that was later overturned for fielding an ineligible player (October 1, 1988). Instead, we’re going back to 1985 and a record-breaking start to a season – a start that only Dickie Hill’s team came anywhere close to matching.

By the time Heybridge Swifts arrived at Broadhall Way on Monday, September 30, Boro had already won their opening seven league games, conceding just once.

The Swifts were a strong team - they finished third the previous season and went on to repeat that in 1985-6 - but they couldn’t hold Boro. Peter and Martin Gittings, together with Phil Driver, were the goalscorers as we racked up a staggering eighth win on the bounce.

Would the trip to Rainham Town the following Saturday (October 5) bring Stevenage down to earth? The short answer is… no!

A brace from Martin Gittings and a Paddy Butcher effort secured a second successive 3-1 win and a NINTH straight win.

Alas the run couldn’t last – the next Monday, three goals weren’t enough as Clapton came to town and won 4-3.

It was fun while it lasted.

Pete Hayman runs BoroGuide, the Stevenage FC internet resource. For more information visit www.boroguide.co.uk or follow him on twitter @boroguide