Play-off rivals lock horns

This article was published in the Times this morning:

STEVENAGE can boost their hopes of securing a play-off place in the Conference and land odds of 100-30 with Bet Direct by winning away to Hereford United in tonight's televised fixture.

Accrington Stanley's lead at the top of the division seems unassailable, leaving Hereford and Stevenage, the third and fourth placed teams, with only the play-offs to shoot at. And, with a clutch of teams within striking distance should either falter on the run-in, both sides have everything to play for.

Although Stevenage have displayed their best football at home this season, they can travel with a degree of confidence after losing only once in their last nine visits to Edgar Road, latterly triumphing 1-0 in the second leg of their play-off semi-final last May. Graham Westley's men were to lose the final 1-0 to Carlisle.

Stevenage's recent form has been encouraging, with ten of a possible 12 points being taken from their past four games, while Graham Turner, the Hereford manager, has been forced to turn to his youngsters with Jamie Pitman, Tony James and Adam Stansfield all out, and Guy Ipoua doubtful.

Hereford are best-priced at 10-11 with Skybet and Blue Square. The draw is a general 12-5.

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