Stevenage pick up a hard-earned point at The Lamex Stadium...
On a sunny, yet windy, afternoon at The Lamex Stadium, Stevenage faced yet another tough test in League One as former Premier League club, Bolton Wanderers, came to town.
Just seven games remained in the dramatic race for play-offs so a result against the Trotters would be enormous. The gaffer made eight changes from last weekend’s draw in Carlisle as he looked to get his side back to winning ways.
Taye Ashby-Hammond returned between the sticks after missing the last two games. A back three of Luther James-Wildin, Terence Vancooten and Dan Butler lined up in front of the stopper, with Kane Smith and Nesta Guinness-Walker occupying the right and left wing-back roles.
Alex MacDonald, Finley Burns and Ben Thompson made up the midfield trio as Jamie Reid and Jordan Roberts led the line.
A couple of chances came for Boro early on as atmosphere was rocking inside The Lamex Stadium. Firstly, Jordan Roberts’ header sailed just over the crossbar before Ben Thompson received the ball from a Kane Smith cross and fired just wide of the post.
After twenty minutes, Boro looked destined to take the lead after a stunning passing move. The passage resulted in Dan Butler receiving the ball twenty-five yards out and firing low and hard, but his effort was tipped just past the post by the Bolton goalkeeper.
Down the other end, Bolton came close to taking the lead as a dangerous corner met the head of Will Forrester whose effort crashed against the bar.
Moments later, the Trotters had a free kick from a dangerous position as Josh Sheehan stood over it. The number eight took aim with a powerful effort, but Taye Ashby-Hammond pulled off a strong save to deny the visitors.
Despite some brief Bolton pressure, Stevenage were resilient and looked to get the ball up the other end of the pitch and create dangerous chances. Nesta Guinness-Walker produced a neat piece of skill in Bolton’s half before sending Jordan Roberts through on the left wing.
The number 11 dragged the ball back to Jamie Reid who took a touch and saw his effort on goal blocked. Then, the ball fell to Kane Smith outside the box as his stunning left-footed volley flew just over the bar.
The opportunities were coming thick and fast for the hosts as Alex MacDonald swung in a dangerous cross to the back post. Nesta Guinness-Walker was there, but Bolton’s defence denied the loanee.
It was a first-half full of chances, but with none converted, as the sides went into the break level.
Neither side made a change at half-time as the second half soon got underway with Stevenage now attacking towards the North Stand.
The atmosphere was lively from all four stands of The Lamex in the first ten minutes of the half as it became a real battle on the pitch between two sides desperate for the three points.
Just after the hour mark, Stevenage came close to breaking the deadlock as the ball ricocheted off many legs inside the area before falling just wide of the mark.
Northern Ireland international, Jamie Reid, was sent through on goal with over twenty minutes to play and was seemingly brought down outside the area, but the referee denied claims of a free-kick and play resumed.
It became a rather tense encounter as Stevenage battled incredibly hard to win possession of the ball and play their football.
With six of the ninety minutes to play, Boro had a golden opportunity to take a late lead as Jordan Roberts capitalised on a defensive mishap. The forward laid the ball back to Ben Thompson inside the box who was unable to get a clean shot off, as Bolton cleared their lines.
Four additional minutes were displayed by the Fourth Official as Stevenage continued to run their socks off.
A first Boro change was then made as Louis Thompson replaced Jamie Reid to see out the game.
Shortly after, Jordan Roberts was announced as Man of the Match before being replaced by Kane Hemmings up top.
Despite Boro’s best attempts, they were unable to find the back of the net as the referee blew his final whistle to send both sides home with a point.
It was a positive performance against a very strong Bolton Wanderers side, as Boro now prepare for a huge visit to Charlton on Easter Monday.
Attendance: 6,282 including 1,364 Away.
