Crewe claw back...
It was a tough draw to take at the Lamex as Crewe Alexandra came back from two goals down in the second half, to level the score.
A brace from loanee Dean Bowditch put the Boro comfortably ahead, but the visitors responded in the second half with goals from Perry Ng and Charlie Kirk.
The starting XI saw the inclusion of two full home debuts involving loanees Ben Sheaf and Dean Bowditch.
Crewe started the game the better team in the very early minutes holding the majority of the possession and not allowing Boro any sort attacking threat going forward.
However, by the 10th minute Stevenage had rapidly grown into the game and assertively got on top of the Railwaymen.
The first chance and goal of the game went Stevenage’s way in the 15th minute, when Ben sheaf picked up the ball high up the pitch and looped it over the Crewe defence to place Dean Bowditch right in front of goal.
Dean Bowditch calmly slotted home the one-on-one with goalkeeper Ben Garratt and it was a deserved reward for the Boro after some hard work up the field.
Crewe didn’t switch off and tried to get themselves back into the game as soon as possible, but David Artell’s boys couldn’t find that clinical finish going forward.
The first half lacked clear cut chances from both teams, but Darren Sarll's side made sure when the opportunity did arise they were going to take it.
Stevenage deservedly lead as the teams went into the break and certainly looked the side with more confidence after a strong first half display.
Crewe once again started the half the better team, with an early attack as they ran at Stevenage’s defence in real numbers, but they still couldn’t open up that space for a clear chance.
Similar to the first half, Stevenage reacted to the high intesnity from the visitors and didn't take long to get going, as that man Dean Bowditch showed up again in front of goal...
Danny Newton used his blistering pace to make his way round defenders and into the box and simply put it on a plate for Bowditch to send it home in the 50th minute.
Stevenage’s first sub came around in the 54th minute as Bowditch made way for Ben Kennedy, as his lack of match fitness began to show on the field.
There was a small penalty shout in the 63rd minute as Johnny Goddard showcased his fast feet within the Crewe box and was seemed to be brought down, but referee Graham Harwood waved off all claims.
There was a second penalty appeal, this time for Crewe in the 78th minute as defender George Ray went down after light contact with Wilmot from behind, but once again Graham Harwood didn’t believe it had enough in it to be awarded.
After continuous half chances, Crewe finally got themselves back into the game in the 80th minute after a terrific strike into the top corner from Perry Ng, which left Tom King hopeless.
The goal for Crewe certainly gave a boost of confidence for the travelling side and they looked to push on and find that equalising goal.
Tom King made possibly the save of the season in the 91st minute as he parried out McKirdy’s header at goal, which seemed certain to find it’s way into the back of the net.
With the fourth official indicating 7 minutes of added time, Crewe made sure that they left with something as Charlie Kirk was on guard at the back post to level the score for the visitors in the 94th minute.
It was a tough result to take for the Boro after being on top for a lot of the game, but Crewe gave it everything they had left at goal with just 10 minutes to go and were rewarded for their final efforts.