When Chris Beardsley sent Boro to Old Trafford

Stevenage’s record against Accrington Stanley had been a mixed one.

At home, it was reasonable enough – indeed, Boro hadn’t lost to Stanley on their own patch.

Away, however, was a different state of affairs, with no wins in four attempts.

After gaining the upper hand in the first leg of the League 2 play-off semi-finals thanks to Stacy Long and Joel Byrom, Boro travelled north for the second leg and hopes were high that a place in the final at Old Trafford could be secured.

But the tie was by no means over; Accrington were a tricky proposition on their home “pitch” and Boro still had those memories of conceding that two-goal advantage against Cambridge United in the Conference play-offs two years prior.

With injuries playing a part, Boro named two goalkeepers on the bench but the anticipated fightback from Accrington Stanley was well stifled.

It was so much so that the hosts began to lose their rag and subsequently had two men sent off.

With the luxury of a two-goal and now a two-man advantage, Boro were able to exploit gaps as the game went on until, finally, substitute Chris Beardsley was set free to the right of the box and finished expertly from an angle to wrap things up.

Boro were in to the final and a second successive promotion was very much on.

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