Starting on the path that led to a historic cup win

In 2006/7, Stevenage’s 3-2 win over Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Trophy final saw the club make history as the first team to win silverware at the newly-reopened Wembley Stadium.

It was in this week in 2006 that the club started out on the path that led them to glory.

On December 16, Merthyr Tydfil made the long journey across from the Welsh valleys for a first round tie that was to be dominated by one man.

In a magical five-minute spell after half-time, the Southern League side had been completely blown away by George Boyd.

The difference in quality was evident from the off, but Boro were unable to find an opener – and could even have fallen behind.

But the frustration was eased on 30 minutes when a corner broke loose in the area for Boyd to get the hosts up and running.

Not long after, Merthyr’s Jamie Rewbury was sent off – but Boro failed to make any further inroads before the interval.

Within 10 minutes of the restart, however, the mercurial Boyd dazzled and demoralised the visitors’ defence with three quick-fire goals.

Boyd then laid on a fifth goal for Steve Morison before leaving the pitch to a standing ovation.

Boro added two further goals from Steve Guppy and Craig Dobson to inflict a crushing defeat on Merthyr, but not before the East Terrace willed them on to find a consolation.

Five months later, the club was lifting the Trophy under Wembley’s new Arch.

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