Jordan Roberts and Carl Piergianni grab the goals as Boro stroll into the New Year on a high note...
Boro returned to The Lamex Stadium in search of three points in Sky Bet League Two as 2022 came to an end. Crawley, who were without a manager, were the opponents with a point to prove. Steve Evans opted for an unchanged eleven from Tuesday’s draw with Leyton Orient.
The hosts wasted no time in applying pressure on the Crawley defence. Alex Gilbey’s impressive half-volley forced an acrobatic save from Ellery Balcombe. Then, from the resulting corner, Danny Rose’s powerful volley was fired just over the crossbar.
Five minutes later, Stevenage remained on the front foot as Jordan Roberts was received the ball in the box but placed his shot wide of the mark. Down the other end, a Crawley corner almost resulted in a goal, but Luke Norris produced a wonderful block on the line to keep the score level.
However, the score didn’t stay goalless for long. Jake Reeves fired the ball forward from his own half into the path of Jordan Roberts who shrugged off the defender before calmly placing the ball in the back of the net to open the scoring against his former club.
Stevenage were in control for the majority of the first half but struggled to create more clear-cut chances. Jordan Roberts and Jake Reeves found a lot of the ball as they looked to be creative with it, but the Reds’ goalkeeper was rarely challenged.
This changed with five minutes to go until the break as Boro doubled their lead. Luther James-Wildin received the ball on the left-hand side from a throw-in, before delivering a pinpoint cross to an open Carl Piergianni who headed in off the post to get Stevenage’s second of the evening.
The opening stages of the second half were quiet as Boro looked to hold onto their lead and potentially add to it. Crawley created a half chance eight minutes into the half, but Ludwig Francillette fired over from outside the area.
Nick Tsaroulla appeared to be the man to give Crawley any glimpse of hope as the travelling support could be heard chanting his name behind the goal. Tsaroulla took aim from just outside the Boro box, but his effort flew inches wide of the post.
Just after the hour mark, Stevenage were playing some good football and looked to get a third. Alex Gilbey received the ball on the edge of the area, before taking his time and trying his luck but Ellery Balcombe was quick to get down and deny.
Saxon Earley and Luke Norris were enjoying their football on the left-hand side as a delightful piece of combination play resulted in Luke Norris driving the ball into the box, but Jordan Roberts fired high and wide.
With fifteen minutes remaining, Evans made his first substitutions of the evening as Jamie Reid and Jake Taylor replaced Jordan Roberts and Danny Rose.
Jamie Reid looked as lively as ever when he was introduced and created a clear chance after playing Luke Norris through on goal. Boro’s number nine moved the ball to his right foot before firing into the Crawley stopper’s hands.
Ten minutes were left to play as Boro made it three. Jake Reeves sent in a delightful cross to captain Carl Piergianni whose powerful header flew into the bottom corner to get his second of the evening. This capped off a strong performance from both men.
In the closing stages of the game, Crawley were awarded a penalty after Luther James-Wildin’s rash challenge in the box. Dom Telford stepped up and placed the ball into the bottom right corner to grab a consolation goal.
The additional five minutes were quiet as Stevenage held onto their two-goal advantage. David Amoo and Max Clark replaced Luke Norris and Alex Gilbey in the final moments as the referee blew his final whistle and ended 2022 on an extremely positive note for Boro. The side’s first game in the New Year is at The Lamex as Gillingham come to town.
Attendance: 3,238 including 273 away supporters.