Stanley stun Stevenage to complete comeback...
Stevenage fell to a 3-2 defeat at Accrington Stanley despite taking a two goal lead in the first half.
After Godden and McKee put Boro in control, McConville struck just before half-time direct from a free-kick to half the deficit.
Stevenage twice hit the woodwork in the second half whilst ahead and Stanley made the most of their opportunities, Kee and McConville sealing the win.
Darren Sarll named three changes and three full debuts – Luke Amos, Alex Revell and Johnny Goddard all named in the starting line-up after their moves to the club earlier in the week.
The new look Stevenage were up for it right from the start and all three new additions settled in well. Bringing a much needed injection of freshness to the side, Stevenage started on top and it didn’t take long for it to count.
Johnny Goddard got things going with a well delivered ball into the box, Matty Godden heading just wide of goal.
Minutes later, Godden broke his goal duck to put Boro 1-0 up after Mark McKee slipped the ball through to him on the edge of the box. A first time finish low and into the corner - as they say, form is temporary, class is permanent.
Godden could have doubled his tally on 16 minutes as he fired a powerful effort at Chapman in goal, again, played in with plenty of space to get his shot away.
Kayden Jackson was without question Accrington’s stand-out player and primary threat throughout the first half.
Getting past his men out wide and putting the ball across goal on a number of occasions, thankfully for Stevenage to little consequence.
He did draw two yellow cards throughout the opening 45 minutes though, Terence Vancooten and Jack King both punished after bringing the danger man down.
With 25 minutes gone, Jackson had a golden chance to draw Accrington level as he sprinted through on goal only for Tom King to make himself big and make the stop. A quick counter attack following a Stevenage free-kick creating the opening.
Boro’s pressing game was on-point during the first 45 minutes and it lead to the second goal of the game. Having won the ball high up the pitch, Mark McKee received the ball on the edge of the box before driving low and hard into the bottom corner. A first senior goal for the 19 year old and one he will remember.
Former Stevenage man, Mark Hughes headed just past the post as the half-time whistle approached but right on the whistle, McConville whipped in a wonderfully taken free-kick to reduce the deficit to 2-1 Stevenage.
Chances came about at a less frequent rate throughout the second half but Jack King came the width of the post away from making it 3-1 in the 57th minute.
After beating goalkeeper Chapman to the ball following a deep free-kick, the ball sat up for the captain who hooked it over his head and onto the bar.
Ten minutes later, Jonathan Smith sprung Chapman into action as his rocket shot from 25 yards was palmed away from the top corner.
It would turn out to be the turning point of the match as Accrington would go onto make Stevenage pay for their missed chances whilst in the lead.
First up, Billy Kee found a way to goal after receiving a short corner, turning sharply inside the box before finding the space to shoot.
Shortly after Newton and Kennedy came on for Goddard and Godden, Newton cracked the outside of the post from 10 yards out.
Again, a huge missed opportunity as up the other end, McConville grabbed his second of the game, with help from a deflection, to make it 3-2 to Accrington with just over 10 minutes remaining.
A loose ball played across the box the killer mistake to give the home side the lead.
Stevenage couldn’t recover and despite a hugely improved performance in many areas, it wasn’t enough as Stanley came back from behind to take all three points.
Missed chances and crucial mistakes at the back undoing Boro at the Wham Stadium.