Tranmere Rovers pick up all three points at The Lamex Stadium...
Stevenage returned to The Lamex Stadium in search of their first victory since the 3-0 thrashing over Leyton Orient last month. Steve Evans made two changes from last weekend’s defeat to Stockport County as Max Clark and Jake Reeves replaced Josh Reid and Jake Forster-Caskey respectively.
Boro were on top for the opening ten minutes with the home crowd behind them. Kane Smith picked up the ball on the right wing before sending in a delightful cross, but no Stevenage player was able to tap it in.
Kane Smith was involved in the majority of positives for Stevenage with his blistering pace and deep crosses from right wing-back. Twenty-five minutes had been played but neither goalkeeper had been seriously challenged.
On the half-hour mark, Stevenage came close to opening the scoring as Dan Sweeney’s cross was knocked on by Carl Piergianni before Luke Norris’ header was superbly kept out by Joe Murphy.
Stevenage remained on the front foot for the rest of the first half as they searched for the opening goal. Boro’s high press meant that Kane Smith earned possession high up the pitch before playing in Luke Norris who dragged his effort wide of the post.
With the score remaining goalless, the referee blew for half-time to conclude a rather quiet half in which Boro enjoyed a fair share of the possession.
The second half got underway and Stevenage remained in possession for the most part. Max Clark Clark tried his luck from thirty yards, with his long-range effort flying just over the bar.
Alex Gilbey looked to break the deadlock soon after, running half the length of the pitch before getting a shot off inside the area, but Joe Murphy denied.
Steve Evans was determined for his side to get that crucial opening goal as he made four substitutions in one go. Jake Taylor, Dean Campbell, Daryl Horgan and Jamie Reid replaced Alex Gilbey, Michael Bostwick, Jordan Roberts and Danny Rose.
However, shortly after the substitutions were made, a Tranmere player was brought down in the box and the referee awarded the visitors a penalty. Josh Hawkes stepped up to take and slotted it into the bottom right corner to give his side the lead.
Moments later, there were strong appeals for a penalty for Stevenage down the other end, but the referee said no.
With ten minutes remaining and his side one goal down, Steve Evans rolled the dice for a final time with the introduction of Jake Forster-Caskey in place of Jake Reeves in midfield.
The fourth official held up six additional minutes with the visitors still in front and looking to wind down the clock. Jamie Reid had one final chance as he drilled the ball just wide of the post. The referee then blew for full-time to send Tranmere home with all three points.