Goals from Luther James-Wildin and Ben Thompson are cancelled out as the spoils are shared at The Lamex Stadium...
Stevenage and Peterborough met in league action for the first time in ten years, with both clubs looking to keep a good run of form going. Ahead of the game, Boro were sat in fourth place, with the Posh right behind in fifth.
The gaffer made just the one change from Saturday’s convincing win over Fleetwood as Nathan Thompson returned to the starting eleven, in place of Jake Forster-Caskey.
Before kick-off, The Lamex Stadium paid their respects with a minute’s applause after the sad passing of former England Manager, Terry Venables, at the age of 80.
It was a tightly contested affair in the opening ten minutes of the game as the atmosphere inside the ground was lively. Stevenage were applying their high pressure as usual as they looked to frighten the Posh defence.
Peterborough looked to break away after fifteen minutes, but the reliable Terence Vancooten was there to produce a huge block to keep the score line goalless.
After twenty minutes, Stevenage took the lead in fine fashion and the home crowd erupted. Former Peterborough man, Dan Butler, sent a cross into the box that was punched out to Luther James-Wildin just inside the area who took a touch and fired into the top right corner with his left foot.
Stevenage were keen to double their lead and did so on the half hour mark with a strike as sweet as the first. Again, it was Dan Butler’s ball into the box that caused issues, as Ben Thompson composed himself before volleying home to score against his former club and grab his second goal in as many games.
The Posh were absolutely convinced they had pulled one back five minutes later, as their effort struck the post before being cleared off the line by Terence Vancooten who was putting his body on the line for the badge once again.
On the stroke of half-time, Boro almost made it three as Jamie Reid latched onto a defensive mistake. Reid’s ball into the box looked destined for Kane Hemmings at the back post, but Peterborough managed to clear for a corner.
Jamie Reid looked lively in the opening stages of the second half as he looked to get his name on the scoresheet. He took aim from the edge of the area but was denied by Nicholas Bilokapic.
Despite a strong start to the half for Boro, The Posh managed to grab one back after 51 minutes. A low cross was sent into the box, allowing Joel Randall to tap it home.
Before the hour mark, there was a lengthy stoppage in play as a Peterborough shot struck the face of Nathan Thompson who then required attention from the physio. Thompson was subsequently replaced by Nick Freeman who slotted into right wing-back, with Luther James-Wildin moving into the back three.
A second Boro change was made with under twenty of the ninety to go, as Kane Hemmings made way for the rapid Elliott List.
Stevenage had to work incredibly hard in the second half as Peterborough came at them with everything, but the hosts looked determined to keep a hold of their lead.
With ten minutes remaining though, Peterborough got their equaliser through Ricky-Jade Jones. Louis Thompson was then introduced in place of Ben Thompson.
Stevenage came back at The Posh as they looked to regain their lead. Carl Piergianni’s knock-down appeared to be falling into the path of Jamie Reid, but instead Boro won a flurry of corners that came to nothing.
The hosts continued to push forward as the fourth official held up eight minutes of added time.
Stevenage worked hard in added time and pressed forward in the hopes of a third goal, but it wasn’t to be as the referee blew his final whistle.
It was a strong performance against fellow promotion chasers as the spoils were shared on a chilly evening. Attention now turns to the FA Cup this Saturday as Port Vale come to town.
Attendance: 5041 including 1383 away supporters