Boro forced to settle for a point after late controversy...
Stevenage travelled to Vale Park for the second time this season, but this time it was in the hopes of a big three points in Sky Bet League One. The Gaffer made four changes from Tuesday’s defeat to Reading as Luther James-Wildin, Nathan Thompson and Finley Burns returned to the starting eleven, with Nesta Guinness-Walker making his first start for the club.
After just five minutes, Port Vale took a surprise lead in unfortunate circumstances. Gavin Massey’s shot was dragged across goal, resulting in Terence Vancooten converting into his own net and giving the hosts an early advantage.
Stevenage initially lined up with a back five, but soon after the goal, the side reverted to a back four, with Nathan Thompson slotting into midfield.
The visitors were gradually growing into the game following the change of shape, as they found more of the ball in the opposition half and were creating some neat patterns of play. Nesta Guinness-Walker especially looked to get involved and make forward runs, on and off the ball.
Nick Freeman found plenty of space on the right-hand side and delivered a dangerous ball targeted at Vadaine Oliver in the area, but the towering forward was unable to get a crucial touch on it.
The closing stages of the first half were quite high in tempo as both sides battled hard for the game’s next goal. Terence Vancooten had a left-footed attempt from the edge of the area which forced a corner, but the danger was subsequently cleared.
Three minutes of added time were displayed as Stevenage looked to break on the counter. Jamie Reid looked a real threat as he weaved his way through defenders, but his effort was blocked and the half-time whistle was soon blown.
Ahead of the second half, a triple change was made for Stevenage, as Dan Butler, Louis Thompson and Kane Hemmings were introduced in place of Nathan Thompson, Jake Forster-Caskey and Vadaine Oliver.
Boro looked the brighter of the two sides in the opening stages of the second half, and they found their equaliser after fifty-two minutes. Nick Freeman provided a dangerous ball to the head of Carl Piergianni whose headed effort crashed against the crossbar, but Jamie Reid was there to tap in the rebound and level the scoring.
It was all Stevenage from there as they managed to score a second and complete the comeback in a matter of just six minutes. It was Nick Freeman once again getting involved, as his ball across goal was slotted home by Terence Vancooten who grabbed his first league goal for Stevenage in his six and a half-year spell.
Boro had over half an hour to hold onto their lead, and the Valiants were not going to go down without a fight.
The Gaffer made his fourth sub of the afternoon as debutant Nesta Guinness-Walker made way for Jordan Roberts.
Goalscorer Jamie Reid had a golden chance to kill the game with roughly fifteen minutes remaining as he was sent through on goal, but under pressure he fired over the bar.
Eight minutes later, it was Finley Burns who saw his effort from inside the box sail over the bar, but it was an absolutely delightful move to set the shot up.
Burns was substituted minutes later, with Alex MacDonald coming on to see out the game.
Six minutes of injury time were held up by the Fourth Official as Stevenage continued to work incredibly hard to keep their lead. Port Vale came very close to levelling the scoring, but Craig MacGillivray pulled off a wonderful stop.
Boro were seconds away from earning all three points, when the linesman waved his flag for a penalty to Port Vale. It was Funso Ojo to take as he converted and earned a late point for his side.
Huge frustration for Stevenage who worked their socks off to see out a victory in the second half but were hard done by at the death.
Once again, it’s a quick turnaround in League One as Bristol Rovers arrive at The Lamex on Tuesday.
Attendance: 5296 including 145 away.