Goals from Jordan Roberts, Alex MacDonald and Kane Hemmings wrap up an enjoyable afternoon at The Lamex Stadium...
Boro concluded the month of October with the first-ever competitive fixture against former Premier League club, Derby County. It was played in front of a bumper crowd, as all four sides of The Lamex Stadium created a great atmosphere.
The Gaffer made three changes from Tuesday night’s draw in Bristol as Elliott List, Alex MacDonald and Finley Burns returned to the starting eleven for this enormous clash in League One.
It was Taye Ashby-Hammond between the sticks, behind a back four of Luther James-Wildin, Terence Vancooten, Carl Piergianni and Dan Butler. Finley Burns sat just in front of the defensive line, with Nick Freeman and Alex MacDonald supporting him in midfield. Jordan Roberts occupied the number ten position behind the strike force of Jamie Reid and Elliott List.
Ten minutes in, Stevenage earned themselves a free kick in a dangerous position after Jamie Reid was pulled down on the counterattack. Alex MacDonald and Dan Butler stood over it, with the latter delivering a ball into the box that was easy enough for Joe Wildsmith to collect.
Boro continued to apply the pressure shortly after as Elliott List’s pace allowed him to beat his man and get a shot off inside the area, but his effort was kept out.
On the half-hour mark, Stevenage opened the scoring and deservedly so as Jordan Roberts and Alex MacDonald devised a plan as they stood over a free-kick from twenty-five yards. MacDonald gently backheeled it for Roberts to strike into the bottom right corner and send The Lamex Stadium into jubilation.
Five minutes later though, the visitors from Derbyshire equalised. Louie Sibley played the ball to Nathaniel Mendez-Laing who fired low and hard past Ashby-Hammond.
Boro came back at the opposition and regained their lead with the final kick of the half. Once again, it was a free kick from roughly twenty-five yards as Alex MacDonald’s effort was far too powerful for Joe Wildsmith, as it flew into the back of the net.
Derby were quick out of the blocks after the interval as they looked to equalise for the second time, but Boro’s defending limited them to very little, with Alex MacDonald sticking in an incredible last-ditch tackle.
MacDonald was substituted to a standing ovation shortly after, with Nathan Thompson being introduced in place of him to form a back three with Terence Vancooten and Carl Piergianni.
A second substitution was made five minutes later with Elliott List making way for midfielder Louis Thompson as Boro looked to control the game.
Derby created a few half chances here and there, but Stevenage looked to keep a hold of their lead and frustrate the opposition. With ten minutes to go, the gaffer made another change and it proved to be a decisive one. Kane Hemmings was the man entering the field, replacing Jordan Roberts.
Four minutes after being brought on from the bench, substitute Hemmings doubled Boro’s lead to seemingly wrap up the game with five minutes to play. It was a lovely move to create the goal with Luther James-Wildin and Nick Freeman linking up on the right wing, with the former playing a low ball into the box, allowing Hemmings to tap home.
The remainder of the game saw Derby create very little, as Boro defended superbly until the final whistle. Eventually, that whistle was blown as Stevenage picked up an impressive three points against notable opposition.
It was an enjoyable afternoon at The Lamex from start to finish, and next week Boro are back in FA Cup action as they welcome League Two Tranmere Rovers.
Attendance: 5866 including 1386 away supporters.