Stevenage welcome Sheffield United to the Lamex Stadium on Saturday as Boro boss Graham Westley faces a manager he duelled with in the non-league days.

Blades boss Nigel Clough had a sparkling playing career with the likes of Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, winning England caps along the way.

However, he started his managerial career, as Westley did, in non-league.

Ahead of the weekend’s Sky Bet League 1 clash, Westley said: “Nigel and I go back, our early contest came in the Conference when he was at Burton.

“We’ve pitted our wits against each other and we’ve both come out on top in the games that we’ve had, there’s been some good contests.”

The two managers are now both in charge at League 1 clubs after spells elsewhere which did not go to plan.

Westley said: “He had a move, a bit like myself, he went to Derby I went to Preston and in the end, his lasted a lot longer than mine, but it didn’t work out.

“He is having to earn his spurs again in League 1, as I’m doing my best to earn my spurs again here at Stevenage.

“We both have got a lot to prove and it’s an interesting tie that I’m sure both clubs are looking forward to, us as the home club especially.”

Stevenage are expecting to be without injured skipper Jon Ashton for the clash, Roarie Deacon and Michael Doughty are suspended however Felipe Morais and Simon Heslop are back in contention after bans.