A goal apiece as Stevenage are forced to settle for a 1-1 draw despite a positive performance against a strong Watford side…
Alex Revell’s Boro welcomed Premier League opposition to the Lamex for the second time in a week, but this time could not come out on top as James Reid’s early goal was matched with a Craig Cathcart equaliser.
Revell named a changed starting line-up as fans enjoyed an exciting evening of football between the two Hertfordshire outfits.
Joseph Anang started in goal for the hosts, with Ben Coker, Scott Cuthbert, Terence Vancooten and Luther James-Wildin the four across the back. Jake Reeves and Jake Taylor played in the deep midfield roles just in front, as Elliott List and Reid were supported up top by Elliot Osborne and a Trialist just behind.
Back in the new Amazon Prime Gaming home shirt, the hosts started the brighter of the two teams as Reid capitalised on Cathcart’s loose pass and fired Stevenage in front on the two minute mark.
Causing the Premier League side problems in the opening stages, The Boro continued to threaten the Hornets goal as List headed narrowly over Ben Foster’s crossbar from Coker’s cross on the left flank.
As Watford searched for an equaliser, Ashley Fletcher ensued for the visitors with his driver from long range met comfortably by Anang minutes later.
Stevenage’s danger man Reid was next to attack the Watford goal. Leaping highest in the six-yard box, the forward could only head over as he latched onto List’s cross from the right.
Continuing to cause problems for Ben Foster, Reid was again denied by the former England international as the 25-year-old took aim at his near post. The Stevenage star man pursued in his aim for a second, another effort unable to rustle the net as Osborne played him one on one with Foster.
Finding an equaliser in the 37th minute, the Hornets drew proceedings level as the first half drew to a close. Back on the score sheet after the Euros, Ken Sema headed past Anang from Ashley Fletcher’s cross.
Revell made one substitution at the interval as List was replaced by James Daly up top.
As Watford came forwards following the re-start, Anang proved the hero in the 54th minute. Shattering the hopes of Deeney, the Stevenage shot-stopper was at full stretch with a fingertip save.
Piling on the pressure, Munoz’s side twice came close to taking the lead before the hour mark. An end to end affair, both Henry Wise and Sonny Lo-Everton dragged chances off target.
A double Stevenage substitution followed in the 62nd minute as Trialist 2 and Chris Lines replaced Trialist 1 and Taylor.
The Boro then tried their hand at a winner with combination football almost prevailing as Reid superbly beat two defenders before finding Osborne in the 69th minute. Pinging the ball across the face of Watford’s goal, the linesman halted the attack.
Equal to the Hornets’ late attacks, the Stevenage back-line held strong as the sun began to disappear in Hertfordshire.
With everything to play for, Watford’s Henry Wise tried his hand at a late winner. Collecting from Josh King, the midfielder’s shot flew over before the referee blew his whistle.
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