Striker, on loan from Southend United, last scored for Stevenage 10 years ago during his previous spell with the club

Lee Barnard scored his second goal for Stevenage on Saturday – 10 years after he got his first for the club.

It was a decade ago that the 30-year-old striker last put the ball in the net for Boro, in a 3-1 away win at a Shrewsbury Town side that had a young Joe Hart on the bench well ahead of his move to Manchester City.

That day in April 2004 also saw Dino Maamria take to the field for Boro alongside the likes of George Boyd, while on Saturday with Maamria in the Stevenage dugout his former team-mate Barnard found the net in the 2-2 draw at Tranmere Rovers.

Speaking about his second coming at Boro, Barnard said: “I’m getting a bit old now, that was a long time ago. I can remember my time here last time; it was very enjoyable and it’s why I didn’t have any hesitation in coming back.

“[The last goal] was at Shrewsbury in the last month of the season, and I really enjoyed [the time at the club]. I’ve worked with the manager before and know what he’s about, and I really like what he’s about so it’s nice to come back.

“I know a couple of the boys. I only trained with them [on Friday] and I feel like I fitted in pretty well. They’re good players, and it’s easy just to slip right in there. The more we get to know each other, the better it’ll become.”

Speaking about scoring on his return, the striker added: “It’s always good to get off to a good start for your new club.

“I didn’t get too many chances but the one I did get thankfully I put away. It’s just a shame that we’ve only come away with a point.”