This is it then. Win tomorrow and we’re in League 1 for the first time since 1999 whatever happens. That’s the size of the task ahead of Mark Bonner and his team tomorrow. Stevenage stand in their way – dead and buried in December, a win against the U’s set them on a great run of form that hauled them clear of the relegation zone and into safety.
Mark Bonner has the luxury of Wes Hoolahan returning to the team after a midweek break and we expect him to come in for Shilow Tracey, despite the latter’s impressive performance at Orient. In defence we think Declan Drysdale has done enough to keep his place over the past two games, and that’s about it for team news. With the exception of long-term absentees Leon Davies, Harvey Knibbs and Dimitar Mitov everyone else is fit.
Expected U’s Line-Up: Burton, Knoyle, Drysdale, Taylor, Iredale, Digby, Hannant, Boateng, Hoolahan, Mullin, Ironside
The one other change Bonner could make would be to bring in Liam O’Neil for Luke Hannant, but Hannant has been playing some decent football recently and rediscovering a bit of his early season form. He’s also much more attack minded than O’Neil and links up well with Wes so we expect him to retain his place.
Who’s Their Player To Watch? Luke Norris had a decent season with Swindon a few years ago but struggled to recreate that following a move to Colchester. That said, he can find the net when needed and is a handful to play against. Another former Colchester man is Luke Prosser, an experienced defender. In midfield is Spurs loanee Jack Roles who United fans will know all about following his loan here last season.
Who’s In The Dugout: United fans will need no introduction to Alex Revell, who came through the youth system here making almost 60 appearances in the Amber & Black between 2000 & 2004. A slightly nomadic career took in Kettering, Braintree, Brigton, Southend and Orient before he was able to establish himself as a Championship player at at Rotherham, Cardiff & MK Dons. He’s been in charge at Stevenage since 2020.
What’s Their Recent Form Like? P5, W1, D1, L3, For 3, Against 5
Any Ex-United Players? Ben Coker signed for United late last season but didn’t make an appearance as he recovered from injury. Jack Roles had a decent loan spell here at the same time, scoring some quality goals.
Last Time Out: Stevenage 1-0 U’s, December 29 2020
One to forget for United as a sluggish performance gave Stevenage all three points.
From The Archive: Cambridge 3-0 Stevenage, May 4 2009
We make no apologies for using this footage again – one of the greatest days the Abbey has ever seen as Scott Rendell tucks in a last minute winner to send the U’s to Wembley
UTAS Moosnet Tip: 2-1 United, Mullin
Under The Abbey Stand 
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