Stevenage fall to defeat at Edgeley Park...
Boro looked for their first away victory in the league since October, having drawn their last six encounters on the road. Steve Evans made four changes from Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Newport as Toby Savin, on an emergency loan, and Josh Reid made their Stevenage debuts in place of Jokull Andresson and Max Clark.
Jake Forster-Caskey and Danny Rose returned to the starting eleven with Jonathan Tomkinson missing out and Jamie Reid dropping to the bench. Michael Bostwick sat between Carl Piergianni and Dan Sweeney to make up a formidable back three.
The new man between the sticks was called into action after ten minutes as quick forward Isaac Olaofe burst past Carl Piergianni inside the area, but Toby Savin was quick off his line to collect the ball before Olaofe got his shot off.
Stockport looked to pile men forward early doors in the hopes of an opening goal. Midfielder Callum Camps tried his luck from outside the box after fifteen minutes, but Savin caught it with ease.
Stevenage were forced to wait twenty-three minutes for their first real attempt on goal. Jordan Roberts beat his man before cutting onto his favoured left foot and striking powerfully into the goalkeeper’s hands.
Boro enjoyed an entertaining period in possession soon after and were patiently waiting for an opening. Carl Piergianni played a beautiful diagonal pass to Danny Rose at the back post who looked to head it inside the area to Luke Norris, but Stockport keeper Ben Hinchliffe got there first.
Stevenage had the ball in the back of the net after thirty minutes when Jordan Roberts played it in to Luke Norris who tapped it past the goalkeeper, but the linesman’s flag was raised for offside.
Just a few moments later though, Stockport took the lead. Myles Hippolyte raced down the left-hand side of the box before squaring it to Will Colllar who placed it past the debuting keeper to give his side a one-goal advantage.
The Hatters were not going to stop there as they aimed to double their lead. Callum Camps’ low driven ball into the box fortunately flew past every attacker and the danger was cleared.
Eventually, the first half came to an end, and it was time for Stevenage to regroup and go again. Ahead of the second half, Evans made three changes with Jake Taylor, Jake Reeves and Jamie Reid being introduced in place of Michael Bostwick, Jake Forster-Caskey and Danny Rose.
Early in the second half, there was a stoppage in play as Kyle Knoyle and Josh Reid went down after a head collision. Eventually, Stockport’s Knoyle was helped up and deemed able to carry on as the match resumed.
Jordan Roberts carried the ball well down the right-hand side before the hour mark and tried his luck from a tight angle, but Ben Hinchliffe denied.
Stevenage were creating the more dangerous chances in the second half as they searched for a vital equaliser. Jamie Reid crossed it into the box as Luke Norris’ header was denied, before Jake Reeves and Jordan Roberts both had attempts on goal from outside the area with neither troubling the keeper.
Jake Taylor decided it was his turn to have an attempt on goal moments after, with his effort forcing Ben Hinchliffe to stretch low across his goal to deny.
With over five minutes of the ninety remaining, Steve Evans made another substitution as Daryl Horgan replaced Alex Gilbey in midfield. Horgan was quickly involved as he sent a curling ball into the box, but no one was able to attack it.
Boro were handed an enormous let-off soon after as Kyle Wooton was sent through on goal with just the keeper to beat. Hearts were in mouths as Wooton placed it the wrong side of the near post. Josh March then replaced Jordan Roberts in Boro’s final change. Nine minutes of added time were to be played.
There was one final goal left in the game, and it went in favour of the hosts. Toby Savin’s clearance fell to Will Collar with acres of space to run into. Once he reached Boro’s box, he squared it to Ryan Rydel who fired home to give Stockport their second of the afternoon and ultimately all three points.
Stevenage return to The Lamex next Saturday as they welcome Tranmere Rovers.
Attendance: 9,412 including 270 away supporters.