FA Cup preview: Stevenage v. Tottenham Hotspur

Why Stevenage can cause a cup-set in this David v. Goliath fifth-round tie

© anemoneprojects - Flickr

A fifth-round home tie against Tottenham Hotspur is a real reward for Stevenage, following a 1-0 home win (thanks to an own goal) over Notts County at the end of January.  Obviously it is lucrative for the club, and a chance to see a big-name Premier League side without the need to travel away from home.  But there is real reason for every Stevenage supporter to believe they can pull off an upset over their Premier League opposition this afternoon.

Firstly, Stevenage's work rate is exceptional.  Previous manager Graham Westley installed a strict training regime, demanding that the club's players train until 4/5pm on weekdays, including additional endurance work in the late afternoon.  Westley believed that his players 'thrived' on this regime; but more importantly, it has produced results – and a sense of belief and unity within the ranks.  Although their twice former manager made the move to Preston North End earlier in the season, current boss Gary Smith has continued impressively where Westley left off, and the Hertfordshire side are currently sixth in League One, with (in some cases) four games in hand on teams around them - an incredible feat for a team far bigger than the sum of all its parts.

Following on from this, they are used to winning games – especially at home. Stevenage are undefeated since Smith took over, and prior to that, during a three-and-a-half year stretch from August 2008, including back-to-back promotions from the Blue Square Premier (finishing as champions with 99 points) and League Two, they have lost just ten league games at the Lamex Stadium (formerly Broadhall Way, or 'fortress Broadhall' to local supporters).  Any away fan will tell you that this stadium produces a hostile atmosphere, and few teams leave Stevenage with three points.  Today's match against Tottenham will most certainly host a sell-out crowd, despite being nationally televised this afternoon, which will give the home side a real advantage.

Stevenage do not falter in big-game situations, as proven by beating League One giants Sheffield Wednesday twice this season (including a resounding 5-1 home win), as well as handing league leaders Charlton their first league defeat the campaign (they have since only lost once more in League One).  In recent history, they won the FA Trophy twice in three years (2007, 2009) at Wembley Stadium, including a stunning second-half turnaround against Kidderminster Harriers, coming from 2-0 down at half-time to win 3-2 in front of a 50,000 plus crowd.  Stevenage also played three League Two playoff games last season without conceding a goal, including a 1-0 win over Torquay in the final at Old Trafford.  Last season, they deservedly beat Newcastle United 3-1 in the FA Cup third round, and have already upset Reading in this year's tournament.  Stevenage are defensively strong, and no walkover at home. Tottenham must give this side respect.

Finally, Stevenage can cause an upset simply because this is the FA Cup.  This means two things – firstly, upsets happen.  Lower league sides often see this tournament as a chance to prove something.  Crawley Town won 1-0 at Hull City in the fourth round, while the third round saw Swindon Town and Brighton advance at the expense of Premier League sides Wigan and Newcastle United.  With Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal already eliminated, and out-of-form Chelsea facing a difficult replay at Birmingham, the tournament is wide open – and with a quarter final match-up the reward, lesser teams will fancy their chances at this stage.  Secondly, it also means that, despite its prestige compared with the League Cup, the FA Cup may not be Tottenham's main priority this season.  Due to Stevenage's perceived physical nature and powerful style of play (although this is only too often blown out of proportion),  Harry Redknapp may choose to rest the likes of Gareth Bale, Emmanuel Adebayor and Luka Modric if he believes the possibility of Champions League football, or even a Premier League title, are more important, or on the cards.  Stevenage will address this game like any other.

The hosts know they are underdogs in this tie.  Tottenham are a strong, in-form Premier League outfit.  But those who have been keeping an eye on lower league football will know that Stevenage are not doing badly themselves.  This match is one to watch, and don't be too surprised to see a close one.