Nick Freeman scores late but Stevenage fall to defeat in Peterborough...
Stevenage arrived in Peterborough with a big task ahead of them, as they met with The Posh in front of the Sky Sports cameras in League One. Boro were looking to make it five games unbeaten as the race for play-offs heated up.
The Gaffer made three changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Fleetwood Town on the weekend, as Dan Sweeney, Ben Thompson and Vadaine Oliver returned to the starting eleven.
Stevenage looked to be the brighter of the two sides in the early stages as they really took the game to their opponents from the off. A couple of half chances were created in quick succession, and after five minutes, Ben Thompson saw his effort from the edge of the area fly just wide of the post.
Another decent chance came Boro’s way shortly after as Nick Freeman’s cross was aimed at the head of Jordan Roberts, but his header fell wide as Peterborough breathed a sigh of relief after a pressurising five minutes.
Boro’s relentless press caught the Posh out on a few occasions as they looked to attack with pace. Jordan Roberts had possession of the ball on the left wing before sending a low ball across the face of goal, but Vadaine Oliver failed to get the decisive touch on it.
One of Stevenage’s closest chances of the half came via an unlikely culprit after half an hour as Terence Vancooten moved the ball to his weaker left foot and fired just inches over the crossbar.
Ten minutes later it was a similar story for Boro as they continued to put pressure on the Peterborough defence and create chances. This time it was Jordan Roberts to try his luck on his left foot, but he too fired inches over the bar.
Despite Stevenage being on top for large parts of the first half, Peterborough broke the deadlock from the penalty spot shortly before the break. It was Harrison Burrows to take as he buried it into the bottom left corner.
That turned out to be the final chance of the half as Stevenage went into half-time a goal down.
Stevenage started the second half in the same way they started the first as they looked to grab a quick equaliser. A dangerous ball was sent into the area by Dan Butler before Jamie Reid’s headed effort forced Jed Steer into a smart stop.
The hosts applied the pressure around the hour mark as they looked to double their lead, but captain Carl Piergianni was not willing to let that happen as his last-ditch tackle prevented a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Unfortunately, minutes later, the Posh did manage to find their second of the evening. Malik Mothersille played the ball to Jadel Katongo inside the area who slotted his effort into the bottom corner.
Four changes were made by Stevenage with twenty remaining as Dan Butler, Ben Thompson, Jamie Reid and Vadaine Oliver made way for Nesta Guinness-Walker, Louis Thompson, Elliott List and Kane Hemmings.
Peterborough made it three after 77 minutes, as Kwame Poku fired into the back of the net, giving Taye Ashby-Hammond no chance.
A fifth Boro change was made five minutes later as Alex MacDonald was introduced in place of Terence Vancooten.
Stevenage had deserved at least a goal in this game, and it finally came after 84 minutes as Nick Freeman found the bottom corner from inside the area to pull one back for his side with five minutes of the ninety remaining.
This seemed to light a fire in the belly of the Stevenage players, but unfortunately it looked to be a little too late as Peterborough slowed the game down.
As the Fourth Official displayed seven minutes of additional time, the ball fell to Louis Thompson on the edge of the area, but his powerful effort was dragged wide of the mark. Then, moments later, Kane Hemmings’ header from close range was tipped over the bar. Stevenage were not going down without a fight.
Despite Boro’s best efforts, Peterborough managed to see out the victory as the referee blew his final whistle.
Stevenage were unfortunate at times, but ultimately it was Peterborough who earned all three points.
Boro now head back to the training ground ahead of an enormous clash against Leyton Orient at The Lamex Stadium on Saturday.
Att: 7,504 (inc. 840 A)
