A seventh win out of the last eight games means hopes of promotion are well and truly alive as we finished the day sixth in the Sky Bet League Two table.
Darren Sarll made just one change from Tuesday’s win against Leyton Orient, bringing in the fit again Steve Schumacher for Michael Tonge.
Just like on Tuesday evening, it didn’t take long for Matty Godden to get on the scoresheet. Steve Schumacher found the striker lurking inside the box just two minutes in and Godden made no mistake from eight yards out. A brilliant header to extend his goal scoring run and give Stevenage the perfect start.
Boro continued on the front foot and looked the more likely to get a second in the moments after the goal. Ben Kennedy stood out early on, showing off his skills and footwork to regularly bamboozle the Notts County defence. He came close to scoring a spectacular effort ten minutes in, shooting on the volley from 25 yards but just dipping over the bar.
Connor Ogilvie almost set up Godden for his second after 27 minutes, driving all the way down the wing and into the box before squaring for Godden who could only hit the side netting.
With Jon Stead and Shola Ameobi up in attack for the visitors, it was never going to be an easy afternoon for the defence. Chris Day was needed to come up big after half an hour as he denied both strikers within a couple of seconds from point blank range. A stunning double save to keep his side ahead.
It was that Ben Kennedy and Matty Godden combo that almost resulted in a second as we headed towards half-time. Kennedy taking it past his man and down the line, cutting it back for Godden who fired over from close range.
Notts bombarded the box late on in the half but Boro stood up to the pressure and went into the break 1-0 up.
The first real chance of the second half came to Luke Wilkinson off a brilliant cross from Jobi McAnuff. Positioned at the back-post, Wilkinson climbed over his marker and directed his effort on target but Collin was there to make the stop.
Whilst it was still only 1-0, the visitors still had hope. Jon Stead almost through on goal after a long ball over the top but Jack King was able to get back in time to thwart the threat.
Not long after though it was 2-0. A long ball into the area was flicked on by Luke Wilkinson for his centre back partner, Jack King to score. Captain in place of the injured Ronnie Henry, King showed great composure to flick the ball past the on-rushing Collins.
Before you could catch your breath, it was three. Ben Kennedy playing Matty Godden through on goal with just the keeper to beat and you know the rest. His 19th goal of an incredible season.
With 15 minutes to go, Haydn Hollis had the visitors best chance of a route back into the game but could only prod over from Milson’s free-kick.
With a three goal lead, Stevenage were able to comfortably see out the game without too much happening around either goal mouth. The result means we are now just three points off the third and final automatic promotion spot.
Reaction and highlights to follow at StevenageFC.com and on Boro PlayerHD.