Stevenage take one step closer to promotion after victory in Swindon...
Stevenage travelled to Wiltshire for their penultimate away fixture of the season, with Swindon Town looking to spoil their fun. Steve Evans made just one change from Saturday’s defeat in Mansfield as Kane Smith replaced Luther James-Wildin at right-back.
Boro looked the brighter of the two sides in the opening stages, with such an important ninety minutes of football to play. Jordan Roberts’ shot from the edge of the area was blocked and then he earned his side a free kick just outside the box moments later. It was Roberts to fire at goal from the set-piece, but his effort flew over the bar.
The first glimmer of hope for Swindon came after ten minutes as there were appeals for a penalty to the Robins, but Referee Ben Speedie quickly denied the claims and the match resumed.
Swindon began to grow into the game soon after as they looked to take the lead. The ball fell to Rushian Hepburn-Murphy inside the box, but he fired over from close-range.
After twenty-five minutes, Boro took the lead with a well-worked move. Jordan Roberts played the ball through to Alex Gilbey who beat his man for pace before squaring it to Jamie Reid to tap-in from six yards and send the away end into pandemonium.
Ten minutes later, Stevenage had a golden chance to double their lead. Jordan Roberts received the ball on the edge of the area, but his effort sailed high over the bar.
Stevenage were in control for the most part, but Swindon did have an opportunity to equalise five minutes before the interval as Marcel Lavinier took aim from range. Thimothee Lo-Tutala spilled it initially but recovered well and held on.
As the second half got underway, the hosts came firing out the gates and looked to stun Boro with a quick equaliser. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy took aim from eighteen yards, but Lo-Tutala got down quickly to deny.
The lively fashion of the half continued as Jordan Roberts nutmegged his defender before crossing it Danny Rose who was unable to get his header on target.
Just before the hour mark, Boro had the ball in the back of the net after Kane Smith’s rocket into the bottom corner, but the referee’s whistle had been blown for a foul moments before.
Five minutes later, The Robins came extremely close to levelling the scoring. Remeao Hutton’s cross wasn’t dealt with as the ball bounced around inside the area, but the danger was eventually cleared, and the away supporters breathed a sigh of relief.
Another missed opportunity occurred for Stevenage soon after as Jordan Roberts won possession of the ball high up the pitch before playing in Jamie Reid, but the forward’s effort flew high and wide.
Boro were forced to withstand some pressure as the hosts looked desperate for an equaliser. They defended well though, and with ten minutes left to play, Stevenage remained in front.
Steve Evans made his first two substitutions of the evening soon after as Michael Bostwick and Jordan Roberts made way for Jake Forster-Caskey and Jake Taylor respectively. A third change was then made as Daryl Horgan replaced Jamie Reid to see out the game.
The fourth official then held up an additional seven minutes to be played, as the Boro fans held their breath. As expected, Swindon saw the majority of possession as Stevenage looked to hold onto their one-goal advantage and take one step closer to promotion.
Evans made one final substitution, taking off Danny Rose and bringing right-back Luther James-Wildin on to play up top in the final minutes.
Injury time felt like an age, but eventually the referee blew his final whistle and the away end at The County Ground erupted. Jubilant scenes followed as players and fans showed their appreciation for one another.
Tonight’s win means that Boro can confirm automatic promotion this Saturday as they welcome Grimsby Town to The Lamex Stadium in one of the club’s biggest ever matches.
Attendance: 8289 including 311 away supporters.