REPORT: Stevenage 0-1 Morecambe
Boro’s magnificent run of home wins came to an abrupt end on Good Friday as Morecambe came away the victors with a 1-0 win.
Lee Molyneux’s second half strike was enough for all three points as Stevenage struggled to reach top gear all afternoon.
Darren Sarll made no changes from last Saturday’s game at Colchester, giving the players the opportunity to right the wrongs from the 4-0 defeat.
It was a lively start to the game, Boro enjoying the majority of possession and pressure whilst the visitors were always dangerous on the break. A couple of balls flashing past Chris Day’s six yard box within the first fifteen minutes thankfully to no avail.
It took until the half hour mark for Stevenage’s first good opportunity in the match, Matt Godden curling wide from the left hand side of the box.
Godden again came close minutes later, the striker reacting first to Wilkinson’s knock down but Nizic got across brilliantly to make the stop from close range.
Morecambe ended the half much the stronger and in truth, Boro were lucky to survive. Chris Day making two huge saves against Aaron Wildig one-on-one whilst Whitmore smashed over from close range after being found unmarked at the back-post.
Boro came out for the second half much brighter and created a number of good chances within the first five minutes of the half.
Josh McQuoid played Godden through on goal but despite making space for himself after cutting in on his right, he could only blast over the bar.
Shortly after Godden was denied again, Nizic with another fine save from close range. The ball came back out for McQuoid who fired over the North Stand.
The pressure from Boro was relentless during the early parts of the second half and Nizic was needed again to keep it goalless. The goalkeeper reacting brilliantly to stop Godden on the half volley from about 8 yards out.
On Morecambe’s first foray up the field and into the Stevenage box, they made it count. Molyneux firing under Day after capitalising on sloppy play at the back to put the visitors up 1-0.
Despite plenty of pressing, it was proving difficult to create further openings. Steve Schumacher forced Nizic into action with a low 20 yard strike that was palmed away.
Boro continued to look for a route back into the game but it never looked likely. Morecambe able to see it out and hold on for a crucial win in their fight against relegation.
With just four games to go, it is still all to play for as Boro finish the day in 6th place with a trip to Carlisle next on Monday.
Attendance: 3117 (98 away)
Stevenage: Day, Franks, King, Wilkinson, Ogilvie, McAnuff (Loft 88'), Schumacher (Hinds 81'), Lee, Pett, McQuoid (Gorman 70'), Godden
Unused Subs: Preston, Tonge, Wells, Ntlhe