Jamie Reid's 100th minute winner sends Stevenage into Round Two of the FA Cup...
FA Cup fever hit The Lamex Stadium on a chilly Saturday afternoon as League Two Tranmere Rovers came to town. The gaffer made just two changes from last weekend’s thrilling victory over Derby County as Kane Smith and Louis Thompson came in for Luther James-Wildin and Finley Burns.
It was the dream start for Boro who took the lead inside just two minutes. Elliott List’s blistering pace allowed him to find space on the left wing, before a perfectly weighted cross met the head of Jordan Roberts inside the area who nodded home to give us the lead.
The game slowed down in pace for the next twenty minutes, with Stevenage seeing a large portion of the ball and Tranmere failing to create a chance. However, just before the half hour mark, the visitors were handed an opportunity to equalise when Luke Norris was tripped inside the area.
It was the former Stevenage man to step up and take for Tranmere, with the number nine slotting it into the bottom right corner, despite Taye Ashby-Hammond’s best efforts.
Despite the equaliser, Boro remained largely in control as they looked to regain their lead. A low ball was sent into the area, but Tranmere were able to see it roll past the post for a goal-kick.
As the first half came to a close, Stevenage had a final chance to take their lead back. The ball fell to Jordan Roberts just outside the area who fired low and hard into the goalkeeper’s hands. The referee then blew for half-time, sending the sides in level.
Ten minutes into the second half, Tranmere took a surprise lead as Rob Apter’s effort found the top right corner, past Ashby-Hammond.
Boro came back fighting though and equalised from the spot five minutes later. After scoring a penalty himself, Luke Norris fouled Carl Piergianni in the Tranmere area, allowing Jamie Reid to step up and fire into the botton corner with confidence.
A triple Stevenage change shortly followed as Boro searched for the lead. Kane Hemmings, Ben Thompson and Finley Burns were introduced in place of Elliott List, Alex MacDonald and Louis Thompson on the hour mark.
With twenty minutes left to go, Boro earned a free kick in a dangerous position with Dan Butler standing over it. The left-back whipped in a teasing ball which went through everyone before flying the wrong side of the post.
A fourth Boro swap was made with fifteen of the ninety to play, as Harvey White replaced Kane Smith, with Nick Freeman slotting into the right-back position.
Former Tranmere striker Kane Hemmings came back to haunt his former club with ten minutes remaining to give Stevenage the lead for the second time of the afternoon. Harvey White’s corner was knocked down by Carl Piergianni, giving Hemmings the opportunity to fire home and get his second goal in as many games.
As the fourth official held up nine additional minutes, Tranmere levelled the scoring. It was substitute Kieron Morris to grab the goal seconds after entering the field of play.
With the game looking increasingly likely to head to a replay, Stevenage grabbed the winner in incredibly late fashion. The man of the moment was Jamie Reid who popped up at the perfect time to send The Lamex Stadium into raptures.
The referee’s final whistle followed which sees Boro go into the hat for round two.
Attendance: 2404 inc. 177 away supporters.