Stevenage end the 2023/24 League One season on a high at The Lamex...
Stevenage’s impressive 2023/24 campaign came to a close, as they arrived at The Lamex Stadium for one last time before the summer break. Cheltenham were the opponents with it all to play for, as their survival in League One was riding on this one.
It was a day of celebration for Boro supporters who had witnessed their club fight amongst the biggest clubs in the division and finish in a very respectable ninth place. The East Terrace faithful had their red and white balloons on display.
Interim Manager, Alex Revell, made three changes from last Friday’s draw in Oxford as Dan Sweeney, Ben Thompson and Elliott List returned to the starting eleven.
The opening fifteen minutes were lively as Cheltenham’s task meant that they had to play with high intensity and pressurise the Boro defence who stood resilient.
The first chances of the game came Boro’s way though, as they looked to open the scoring. Elliott List’s neat turn just inside the area allowed him to fire on goal, but his effort was saved before Nesta Guinness-Walker’s rebound effort was also denied.
Ten minutes after making that double save, Cheltenham goalkeeper, Luke Southwood required treatment and was ultimately stretchered off, with all four sides of the Lamex applauding him off. On came the Robins’ substitute goalkeeper Jamie Pardington to make his debut.
Half-time was quickly approaching when Elliott List was tripped inside the area, earning a penalty to Stevenage. Up stepped Kane Hemmings who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to give his side the lead.
Five minutes later, the half-time whistle was blown sending Boro into the break a goal in front.
The second half then got underway, with Stevenage attacking towards the North Stand.
Seven minutes into the second half, Cheltenham found an equaliser as Matty Taylor headed home to keep their survival dream alive. Elliott List then made way for Nick Freeman.
Just after the hour mark, Boro looked to regain their lead as substitute Freeman’s first-time effort from the edge of the box was tipped just over the bar by Jamie Pardington.
Minutes later, a second Stevenage change was made as Aaron Pressley was introduced in place of Kane Hemmings up top.
Cheltenham looked destined to take the lead with 15 minutes of the 90 remaining, as James Olayinka ran through on goal before seeing his effort superbly denied by Craig MacGillivray. Then, Kane Smith was on the line moments later to clear a headed effort.
Boro were going about their business as usual as they looked to end the season on a high note. Jordan Roberts had an opportunity to regain his side’s lead, but his low shot deflected out for a corner with ten to play.
As the 90th minute mark approached, Stevenage grabbed the winner as Jordan Roberts played the ball to Nick Freeman on the edge of the area whose low effort deflected into the back of the net.
In added time, youngster Harrison Smith came on for his debut, in place of Jordan Roberts.
Spectacularly, Smith almost scored with his first few touches, as his incredible pace allowed him to round the keeper from distance and send a lobbed ball on goal, but it floated just over the bar.
The full-time whistle was then blown to conclude a cracking League One campaign. Stevenage finished 9th in the table after making a superb account for themselves in English football’s third tier.
It is now time to rest over the summer before we go again in the 2024/25 season.
Attendance: 5,441 including 1,207 away supporters.
