Stevenage's 2025-26 promotion campaign concluded with a Sky Bet League One Play-Off semi-final second leg defeat away to Stockport County. The match, which took place at Edgeley Park on May 13, 2026, was officiated by referee Josh Smith and saw Stevenage's Dan Kemp receive a yellow card.
This key moment from the contest was captured in a licensable picture. The image shows Kemp, wearing the number 10 shirt, being cautioned.
The second leg at Stockport's Edgeley Park stadium was the decisive fixture in the two-legged tie. Stevenage, having fought hard over the course of the season to reach the play-offs, faced a tough task away from home. The specific incident involving Dan Kemp's booking became a notable point in the match narrative. While the full match details and aggregate score are not described, the outcome ended Stevenage's hopes of reaching the play-off final at Wembley.
The club now looks ahead from that disappointment. Their current focus is on the 2026-27 League One season, where they sit 19th after two games. Steve Evans's side has taken one point from a possible six, with a draw and a loss giving them a recent form of LD.
The context has shifted dramatically from the high-stakes play-off atmosphere of May. As of late August 2026, Stevenage is handling the early phase of a new campaign. The team has scored two goals but conceded three, resulting in a minus-one goal difference. They currently find themselves five points behind early league leaders Bradford City.
This underlines the competitive nature of League One and the challenge of turning last season's play-off finish into a consistent promotion push. The immediate task is to improve results, starting with their next fixture. The squad details for this new campaign can be viewed on our squad page.
The focus is firmly on the present. Stevenage's next opportunity to climb the table comes quickly with a home match against Doncaster Rovers on August 29. Doncaster currently sits 20th, making this a significant early-season encounter for both clubs. A positive result at The Lamex Stadium could provide vital momentum.
Building a solid foundation is key after a mixed start. The team will aim to tighten up defensively while converting more of their attacking opportunities. All upcoming matches are listed on our fixtures page. The memory of the play-off defeat at Stockport serves as a reminder of the fine margins in football, but the entire club's energy is now directed toward the challenges directly ahead in this new season.
