Kidderminster Harriers played host to one of the greatest days in the history of Stevenage FC

Saturday April 17, 2010 will probably go down as one of the greatest afternoons in Stevenage FC’s history.

For 14 years, Boro had slogged it out in the Conference to avenge the injustice of being denied promotion to the Football League.

But, finally, another chance had arrived.

The trip to Kidderminster Harriers that afternoon came nearly exactly a year to the day that the corresponding fixture had taken place the previous season.

On that occasion, the guests surrendered a two-goal lead and had a man sent off in a 4-2 reverse.

But with three straight victories behind them, Graham Westley’s men were determined not to suffer the same fate.

One hand was on the Conference title going into this game, and Stevenage wanted to make it two.

Not least because a huge contingent of fans had made the trip.

The desire to win was evident from the opening seconds. In chasing down what can loosely be described as a backpass, Boro earned themselves an indirect free-kick 15 yards out. The rushed first attempt went in but was ruled out; the measured second went in and wasn’t.

After such a hectic start and the visitors now in the position they needed to be to both win the game and secure the title, the game settled down.

And yet as long as it remained at 1-0, there were always going to be fears that Kiddy would upset the party.

It’s just as well that Joel Byrom wrapped things up in the second half with an individual goal that looks better with every viewing.

It was now just a matter of time before Stevenage could mark a second Conference title win – but this time with promotion guaranteed.

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