Terence Vancooten's dramatic equaliser at the death means Stevenage take home a point...
With just eight games remaining of the 2023/24 Sky Bet League One campaign, Stevenage made the long trip north to Carlisle, in search of a big three points as their play-off hunt continued.
The Gaffer made five changes from last weekend’s defeat to Leyton Orient, as Kane Hemmings, Elliott List, Nathan Thompson, Jake Forster-Caskey and Finley Burns all came into the side.
Carl Piergianni was out serving a suspension, Jamie Reid had been called up for international duty and Luther James-Wildin missed out due to his partner going into labour.
The first ten minutes saw little action in either eighteen-yard areas as both sides battled hard for possession. That was until the twelfth minute when the hosts took a surprise lead. It was Jack Ellis to play the ball across goal, allowing Dan Butterworth to simply tap home to break the deadlock.
Boro’s Jake Forster-Caskey suffered a knock in the build-up and was subsequently replaced by Terence Vancooten early on.
The remainder of the first half was a challenge for Stevenage as Carlisle looked to defend their 1-0 lead. Boro saw a lot of the ball, but could not find a way through.
Stevenage earned multiple corners, but the Cumbrians continuously headed clear to keep the visitors at bay.
Eventually, a slow first half came to an end as the referee blew his whistle.
Ahead of the second half, the Gaffer made three changes as Louis Thompson, Kane Hemmings and Jordan Roberts made way for Ben Thompson, Vadaine Oliver and Nesta Guinness-Walker.
Guinness-Walker looked to make a difference shortly after being substituted on as his burst down the left flank created a dangerous opportunity. His cross into the box fell to Nathan Thompson whose first-time effort was blocked.
Just after the hour mark, Ben Thompson looked to make something happen as he took aim from twenty-five yards, but his powerful effort deflected over the crossbar.
Three minutes later though, Carlisle made it 2-0 as Daniel Butterworth scored his second of the afternoon.
A fifth Boro sub followed as Alex MacDonald was introduced in place of Elliott List.
With fifteen minutes remaining, Stevenage created a half chance as they looked to pull one back. The ball was fired into Ben Thompson inside the area, but his shot flew wide.
Moments later, Nesta Guinness-Walker once again crossed the ball into the box, but Vadaine Oliver’s header was off target.
With ten remaining, Stevenage earned themselves a penalty as Alex MacDonald was tripped inside the area. It was the substitute to take, as he slotted it into the bottom corner to pull one back for the visitors.
Boro worked hard after the goal as belief was reinstalled into the side.
Five minutes of additional time was added on as Stevenage desperately looked for an equaliser.
The side pushed forward and applied the pressure on the Carlisle defence, and with the last kick of the game they found their equaliser.
Vadaine Oliver’s header was well saved, but the ball fell into the path of Terence Vancooten who fired home at the death to send the away end into raptures.
Boro had to be incredibly patient all afternoon, but Vancooten’s last-second finish meant they walked away with a share of the spoils.
Onto Bolton at The Lamex on Good Friday.
Attendance: 7,634 including 232 away supporters.
