Tommy Setford kept his first clean sheet for Stevenage in a 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic. The victory, secured by a late Wanya Marcal header, lifts the club to ninth in League One with 12 points from eight games.

Marcal scored the decisive goal on the hour mark, meeting a lofted cross from Josh Magennis at the back post and heading it back across goal and in off the far post. Magennis had initiated the move inside the Wigan half with a clever spin before driving forward and delivering the cross from the right.

Setford’s steady start

Setford returned to the starting lineup after international duty with England's under-21s to make his fourth appearance for the club. The Arsenal loanee has now conceded just three goals in those four matches, playing every league minute he has been available for. His return meant Daniel Barden, who played in the recent EFL Trophy match, remained on the bench. Setford has now played 360 minutes in League One, conceding those three goals.

"He's only conceded three goals in his first four games, and he's played every league minute he's been available for," Setford said of his own start.

Building resilience

Wigan created an early chance when Connor Barrett pulled a shot wide from the edge of the area, but they struggled to seriously test Setford thereafter. Stevenage had several opportunities to extend their lead on the counter-attack but could not convert, leading to a nervy finish. The single goal proved enough to secure a third consecutive league win, part of a run of four victories in their last five matches.

The three points continue a remarkable turnaround for a side that was 20th in the table when Setford arrived a month and a half ago. Most of their results have been tight, but the improved defensive solidity has been key. They now sit comfortably in the top half, seven points behind leaders Plymouth and with a game in hand on some teams above them. The club's current standings position reflects this rapid progress.

Stevenage face a stern test of their momentum next with an away trip to face second-placed Bradford on Saturday, 17 October. The fixture at Valley Parade is scheduled for a 3pm kick-off, presenting a significant challenge as they look to extend their winning run.

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