Jamie Reid, Jordan Roberts and Luke Norris grab the goals in a thrilling victory over the league leaders in front of a capacity crowd...
Boro returned to The Lamex Stadium for the first time since their FA Cup heroics two weeks prior at Villa Park, as league leaders Leyton Orient came to town. Steve Evans made two changes from his side’s most recent league game against Harrogate as Jamie Reid and Alex Gilbey replaced Luke Norris and Jake Taylor.
The Lamex Stadium was at full capacity as the top two sides in Sky Bet League Two went to battle for the second time in four weeks. This match marked the largest crowd to ever witness an English Football League fixture at The Lamex.
It was a dream start for the home side as Boro took the lead after just seven minutes. Taye Ashby-Hammond’s free-kick from his own half was won in the air by Dan Sweeney, allowing Jamie Reid to beat the Orient keeper to the ball and nod it past him and open the scoring.
The perfect start continued for Stevenage, as their lead was doubled against the league leaders just five minutes later. Danny Rose’s header fell to the feet of Jamie Reid who played it to Jordan Roberts on the edge of the box. Roberts then cut in on his left foot before firing low and hard into the near corner to grab his side’s second of the afternoon.
Leyton Orient and Richie Wellens were stunned as their side were suddenly two goals down. They failed to create a clear-cut chance to really pressurise the Boro defence in the opening thirty minutes.
Stevenage, however, looked like a side on a mission and the capacity crowd were in for a treat. Some nice combination play in the final third led to Dan Sweeney receiving the ball in a surprisingly attacking position. The big centre half tried his luck with his left foot but fired wide.
Richie Wellens made an unforced change after just thirty-two minutes, replacing a defender with tall number nine, Harry Smith.
Just before the interval, Idris El Mizouni slipped, committed a handball offence and received his second yellow card, reducing his side down to ten men ahead of the second half.
The first-half action did not stop there though, as there were huge appeals for a handball in the Orient area which would’ve awarded Stevenage a penalty. Despite appeals from players and supporters, the referee said no.
After a thrilling first-half, Boro were determined to stay on the front foot and kill the game off. Piergianni rose above everyone to win the header from a corner, but Lawrence Vigouroux’s quick reactions denied the Stevenage skipper.
Stevenage were “putting on a show” around the Leyton Orient area as the East Terrace were singing loud and clear. Alex Gilbey’s delightful cross almost found Dan Sweeney at the back post who couldn’t quite get a crucial touch on it as it fell inches wide.
Boro continued to be the side on top and search for a third to kill the game off. Alex Gilbey tried his luck from the edge of the box but Vigouroux denied.
The second half was far quieter than the first in terms of chances but that didn’t kill the atmosphere. Stevenage had some nice spells in possession and really looked as if they were enjoying their football with ten minutes to go.
Boro carved out a late chance with five minutes remaining as Jordan Roberts’ cross found Danny Rose, but Lawrence Vigouroux tipped his header over the bar.
Steve Evans made his first substitution in the final stages of the game as Luke Norris replaced Danny Rose who terrorised the Orient defence for the majority of the match.
Substitute Luke Norris made an instant impact, scoring Boro’s third of the afternoon. Jamie Reid’s long ball forward was misjudged by Jordan Brown, giving Norris just the keeper to beat, as he tapped it past Vigouroux to win the game.
A memorable afternoon was topped off with some fresh faces as Daryl Horgan came on for his home debut and Jonathan Tomkinson was introduced for his first Boro appearance. Dean Campbell and Michael Bostwick were also brought on in the final moments.
The referee then blew his final whistle to conclude a thrilling performance from Steve Evans’ men. The side now sit just two points behind Leyton Orient with a game in hand.
Attendance: 6,989 including 1,382 away supporters.