Carl Piergianni's header makes the difference as Boro get their first win of the New Year...
Stevenage arrived at The Lamex for the second time in four days in the hopes of yet another three points in the hunt for promotion. The opponents, Gillingham, were at the bottom of the league, which added extra importance to the tie. Steve Evans made just one change from Friday’s victory over Crawley as Max Clark replaced Saxon Earley at left wing-back.
Boro were on the front foot early on as they looked for an opener. Luther James-Wildin drove down the right wing before sending in a dangerous low ball, but Jordan Roberts was unable to get a vital touch on it.
The Gills created a dangerous opportunity after just eight minutes as Alex Macdonald was sent through on goal. However, Taye Ashby-Hammond was quick off his line to deny the attacker’s effort and keep the score level.
Gillingham enjoyed a decent spell after the chance and had the ball in Stevenage’s half for large parts. No real chance was crafted out from the visitors as the momentum slowly went in favour of the hosts.
Just after twenty minutes, a delightful set-piece caused the opening goal for Stevenage. Jake Reeves’ free kick was sent directly to the head of Carl Piergianni in the area who fired home to give his side the lead and score his third goal in four days. An impressive stat for a centre-back.
The next twenty minutes were reasonably quiet in both 18-yard boxes as Stevenage tried to get the ball down and play their football. Max Clark tried his luck with a scissor-kick volley and earned his side a corner from it.
Boro looked comfortable with their one-goal advantage as the referee blew for half-time.
Ten minutes into the second half, Evans made his first substitution of the afternoon as Michael Bostwick replaced Terence Vancooten in the formidable back line.
It was a fiery encounter at times with several challenges flying in from both sides. The atmosphere from both sets of supporters was building as a result.
Just after the hour mark, Boro were in the attacking third with Luke Norris receiving the ball on the edge of the area and taking aim, but his effort was blocked by a Gillingham defender.
Stevenage came extremely close to doubling their lead with twenty minutes remaining. Jordan Roberts picked the ball up thirty yards from goal before trying his luck and forcing Glenn Morris to stretch across goal and deny.
Evans then introduced his second substitution as Jamie Reid replaced Luke Norris who received a chorus of boos from his former club’s supporters.
Ten minutes remained and Boro were still just one goal in front. It appeared likely that a second goal for Stevenage would kill the game off. Jake Reeves attempted to do just that from outside the area, but his strike flew wide of the mark.
Stevenage had a golden chance to double their lead in the final five minutes as Danny Rose’s flick found Jamie Reid on the edge of the area who fired just past the far post.
The visitors created a clear chance of their own moments later as Robbie Mckenzie received the ball on the edge of the area before firing on goal, but his effort flew inches wide of the post.
In additional time, Evans made his third and final change as Jake Taylor replaced Jordan Roberts as the side were holding onto the one-goal advantage. Eventually, the referee blew his final whistle to award Boro their first victory of 2023. Up next is the long-awaited trip to Premier League giants, Aston Villa.
Attendance: 3703 with 550 away supporters.