Next Up: Stevenage v Exeter City

City go into the busy festive period aiming to extend their fantastic run which has seen them beaten just once in their last fifteen league matches with a visit to old foes from non-league in Stevenage. Paul Tisdale has no new injury worries and will have several selection conundrums to deal with, for example who starts up front – David Wheeler and Scot Bennett started the 2-0 win over Carlisle but Graham Cummins and Tom Nichols will be desperate to play. James Hamon is set to continue in goal having attracted praise from Tisdale for his first senior clean sheet.

Having dropped back into League Two last season, Stevenage have endured an inconsistent start to life in the basement. Colourful manager Graham Westley has battled to find his best squad and has so far used 30 players in league matches with only Charlie Lee having started every match. Westley’s side has won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions including a 2-1 defeat to Ryman League side Maidstone in the FA Cup. One-time City loanee Lee Barnard is back at the club on loan from Southend although after three goals in his first two league matches he has subsequently failed to find the net. The club’s top scorer is Chris Whelpdale with five, while Simon Walton will be one to watch in the middle of the park.

The last time the sides met was in City’s League One relegation season of 2011/12. Both matches finished level – on the opening day of the season the match at the Lamex Stadium (aka Broadhall Way) finished goalless, while Richard Logan’s goal was cancelled out by Robin Shroot in a 1-1 draw at the Park. City hold a slight lead in the league head-to-head with four wins to Stevenage’s three (five draws).

Match Officials: http://www.exeweb.com/2014/12/16/match-officials-stevenage-v-exeter-city/

Ground Guide: http://www.exeweb.com/2014/12/16/the-things-you-need-to-know-broadhall-way-stevenage/