Stevenage fall to defeat in The EFL Trophy despite a hard-fought battle...
Attention briefly turned to The EFL Trophy for Stevenage after picking up an impressive victory over Wigan in League One on the weekend. The gaffer made nine changes from that win in order to give some minutes to players who haven’t featured as regularly so far this season.
Taye Ashby-Hammond remained between the sticks behind a back four of Nick Freeman, Nathan Thompson, Carl Piergianni and Reece Hannam. Harrison Neal sat just in front the defence, behind a midfield trio of Harvey White, Ben Thompson and Alex MacDonald. The strike partnership of Elliott List and Kane Hemmings led the line.
Boro spent large portions of the first half in control as they looked to play their football and open up the defence of Wycombe. Reece Hannam’s cross was the result of the first real chance of the game as Ben Thompson’s header sailed just high of the crossbar.
After twenty-five minutes, Stevenage’s second chance occurred as a Wycombe clearance only made it as far as Carl Piergianni who knocked it back into the box for Elliott List, but the forward could only fire his effort over the bar.
Neither goalkeeper was really tested throughout the first half as both sides defended well. Wycombe had a rare chance to open the scoring after half an hour with Garath McCleary aiming his effort just wide of the mark.
It was a well battled forty-five minutes, but ultimately neither side could find the back of the net as the half-time score was goalless.
No changes were made by either side ahead of the second half as Boro were now shooting towards the North Stand.
Once again, Stevenage were looking threatening in the second half as Wycombe struggled to get a hold of the ball at times. On the hour mark, Harvey White tried his luck from range as his powerful effort flew just wide of the post.
Shortly after, a double change was made by the gaffer as Carl Piergianni and Nick Freeman made way for Terence Vancooten and the returning Kane Smith, making his first appearance since our trip to Reading in August.
With just over twenty minutes to play, Wycombe took a perhaps surprising lead. After being on the back foot for large portions of the game, The Chairboys relied on their number nine Sam Vokes to head home to give them the upper hand.
Despite the goal, Stevenage remained very much in control and looked desperate for an equaliser. Nathan Thompson drove forward from defence before floating the ball into the area, but the danger was cleared.
Just under ten minutes remained when Stevenage made another double change, this time introducing a fresh strike partnership. Kane Hemmings and Elliott List made way for Jamie Reid and Jordan Roberts.
One final change was made five minutes later as Harrison Neal, who was named the Man of the Match, was replaced by Jake Forster-Caskey in midfield.
Jordan Roberts looked to equalise for the hosts late on as he was lurking inside the area before firing into the hands of Franco Ravizzoli.
The ball stayed almost entirely in Wycombe’s half late into the game as Boro searched for a last-minute equaliser. The fourth official displayed an additional five minutes to be played as Stevenage threw men forward.
Unfortunately, Stevenage just could not find the back of the net despite all their hard work, as the referee blew his final whistle. Attention can now return to League One football as we travel north to Blackpool this Saturday.
Attendance: 906 including 96 away supporters.