Jordan Roberts' first-half goal is the difference-maker as Stevenage pick up a vital three points at home...
Stevenage played in front of a home crowd for the second time in four days, this time welcoming Doncaster Rovers to The Lamex Stadium. After Saturday’s 2-1 victory over AFC Wimbledon, a second win would be vital in the race for automatic promotion. Steve Evans made two changes from the weekend’s fixture with Luther James-Wildin and Jake Taylor replacing Kane Smith and Jake Reeves.
Boro earned themselves an early chance just two minutes in and almost took the lead. Jake Forster-Caskey’s free-kick was cleared, but only out to Jake Taylor who volleyed inches wide.
The hosts were totally dominant in the opening stages and deservedly took the lead thirteen minutes in. Jordan Roberts received the ball on the edge of the area before firing into the bottom corner with his favoured left foot to open the scoring for Stevenage and grab his twelfth goal of the campaign.
Chances were coming thick and fast for Boro as they continued to apply the pressure. Max Clark tried his luck on the volley, but his beautifully struck effort was blocked.
Just before the half-hour mark, Jamie Reid’s quick feet allowed him to escape danger and lay it off to Jake Taylor who fired on goal, but his effort sailed over the bar.
Stevenage had one final chance before the break as Alex Gilbey played Jamie Reid through, but the forward was forced to shoot from a tight angle with Jonathan Mitchell making the save.
Doncaster looked to grow into the game in the second half after making a double substitution at half-time. They created the first chance of the half with Kyle Hurst firing into the hands of Thimothee Lo-Tutala.
Boro made their first substitution of the evening soon after as Jake Taylor was replaced with Jake Reeves in midfield. There were far fewer chances in the second half for Stevenage as the match became scrappier from both sides.
Jordan Roberts looked to get Stevenage back on the front foot as he played the ball through to Danny Rose’s feet, but The Rovers defended well to prevent a two-goal deficit.
Just over ten minutes were left to play and, while Stevenage were largely in control, Doncaster’s goalkeeper was hardly challenged. Max Clark won his side a corner which was then delivered in by Jake Forster-Caskey. Carl Piergianni’s header was cleared out to Danny Rose who hit the crossbar with a bicycle kick from fifteen yards.
The Boro faithful were really getting behind their team with just five minutes remaining. The second substitution for the hosts was made as Michael Bostwick replaced Jake Forster-Caskey.
The East Terrace was heard loud and clear as they looked to help their team get over the line. Four minutes of additional time were to be played as Stevenage kept the ball in the opposition half.
Eventually, the referee blew his final whistle to award Stevenage an all-important three points at The Lamex Stadium. Four games remain for Boro, starting with a trip to Mansfield on Saturday.
Attendance: 2,990 including 179 away supporters.