The biggest wins in betting on Stevenage football matches
Stevenage, an English football club from the town of the same name, playing in League One (the third tier of English football), has been a source of incredible winnings for some bettors.
Victory over Newcastle United in the FA Cup (2011)
One of the most memorable matches in Stevenage's history was the third round of the FA Cup on 8 January 2011 against Newcastle United, a Premier League club. Stevenage, then playing in League Two (the fourth division), was considered a clear underdog. The odds for a win at Teaspins Casino reached 10.00 and above, making a bet on them extremely risky but potentially profitable.
The match took place at Broadhall Way Stadium. Stevenage showed from the very first minutes that they were not going to give up. In the 26th minute, striker Stacy Long opened the scoring with a long-range shot. In the second half, Stevenage continued to dominate, and in the 55th minute, Michael Bostwick doubled the lead with a goal from a corner kick. Newcastle responded with only one goal, a penalty converted by Joey Barton in the 85th minute. However, in the 90th minute, Peter Wynn completed the rout, setting the final score at 3-1. This victory was one of the biggest sensations of the FA Cup that season.
According to football archives, one fan bet £50 on Stevenage to win at odds of 10.50. His winnings amounted to £525, which at the time was a significant amount for a bet on a fourth division club. Other sources mention that some players who risked betting on the exact score of 3:1 received payouts of tens of thousands of pounds, as the odds for such an outcome exceeded 100.00.
Unexpected triumph against Port Vale (2010)
Another match that brought big winnings took place on 7 August 2010 in League 2, when Stevenage faced Port Vale in the first round of the season. Stevenage had just been promoted to League Two after winning the National Conference, and bookmakers did not consider them favourites against the more experienced Port Vale. The odds for a Stevenage win were around 3.80.
The game started cautiously, but in the 11th minute, Chris Bevan opened the scoring, finishing off a cross from the wing. Port Vale responded with a goal from Mark Richards in the 35th minute, but Stevenage took control in the second half. In the 65th minute, John Musinho scored the winning goal from a free kick, securing a 2-1 victory. This was Stevenage's first win in League Two and proved that the newcomers are ready to fight.
According to information from sports forums, one player bet £200 on a win at odds of 3.80, earning £760. Other fans who took a chance on betting on the exact score of 2-1 (odds of around 15.00) received winnings of several thousand pounds.
Cup feat against Milton Keynes Dons (2012)
Another memorable game took place on 28 February 2012 in the FA Cup, when Stevenage faced Milton Keynes Dons in a fourth-round replay. The main match ended in a 0-0 draw, and bookmakers rated Stevenage's chances of winning the replay at around 4.50, as Milton Keynes Dons were considered the stronger team.
At the Lamecs Stadium, Stevenage imposed an aggressive style from the very first minutes. In the 31st minute, Lawrence Wilson scored from a free kick, opening the scoring. In the second half, Stevenage continued to press, and in the 73rd minute, Joel Byrom doubled the lead, finishing off a corner kick. Milton Keynes Dons were unable to respond, and the match ended 2-0.
According to data published on sports websites, one bettor placed £100 on Stevenage to win at odds of 4.50, earning £450. Another player who chose to bet on a win with a handicap (-1) received a £1,200 win on a £200 bet at odds of 6.00.
Sensational victory against Everton in the League Cup (2013)
The League Cup second round match against Everton on 28 August 2013 was another triumph for Stevenage. The Premier League club was the clear favourite, with odds of 8.00 on a Stevenage win. The game was played at Goodison Park, which made the task even more difficult.
Stevenage started the match confidently, and in the 36th minute, Luke Freeman opened the scoring with a shot from outside the penalty area. Everton equalised before the break thanks to a goal from Marouane Fellaini, but in the second half Stevenage took the lead again when Darius Charles scored from a corner in the 61st minute. Despite pressure from Everton, Stevenage held on to their 2-1 lead and caused a sensation.
According to reports on football forums, a fan who bet £50 on a win at odds of 8.00 received £400. Other players who bet on the exact score of 2-1 (odds of around 25.00) earned sums exceeding £2,000.