Stevenage fall to an unfortunate defeat at Oakwell...

Christmas was just two days away, but before Stevenage could enjoy their festive period, they faced potentially one of their toughest opponents of the season. Former Premier League club, Barnsley, were the hosts looking to spoil Boro’s day.

The gaffer made three changes from last Saturday’s draw at home to Exeter City as Terence Vancooten, Finley Burns and Jordan Roberts returned to the starting eleven.

It was a bright start for Stevenage who stunned the hosts by taking an early lead. Jamie Reid’s effort was parried out to Luther James-Wildin who tapped home the rebound to put Boro a goal in front after just five minutes.

Barnsley would come back at Stevenage as expected, but a Dan Sweeney challenge, followed by a Terence Vancooten block and clearance prevented the danger.

The early goal gave Stevenage a big advantage as they were able to play to their desired pace and frustrate the opponents as they soaked up any Barnsley pressure.

The visitors found a chance to double their lead after half an hour as Jordan Roberts latched onto a defensive mistake. The forward took his time but sliced his effort just wide of the post.

Minutes later, Barnsley found their equaliser from nothing. A long ball was sent over the top to John McAtee who lobbed it over the head of Taye Ashby-Hammond to level the scoring.

Moments after the goal, the Tykes came close to taking the lead as the goalscorer McAtee was one-on-one with Ashby-Hammond. Luckily for Boro, their stopper came out on top to deny the hosts.

Down the other end, it was Stevenage who looked to regain their lead as a dangerous free-kick by Jake Forster-Caskey met the head of Carl Piergianni, whose effort flew wide of the mark.

The final stage of the half was reasonably quiet for both sides as the Fourth Official held up three additional minutes. Boro did find the back of the net right before the break through Kane Hemmings, but the linesman’s flag was raised.

Neither side made a change in the interval as the second half got underway, with Boro now attacking towards the superb travelling support behind the goal.

It was Stevenage who created the first half-chance of the half as Jordan Roberts’ ball over the top was knocked down by Jamie Reid and into the path of Kane Hemmings who fired away.

The rain began to pour after that chance which made for miserable conditions, but that did not stop Stevenage from hunting down a second goal.

It became a real battle out there as both sides fought tooth and nail for the three points. A late Barnsley challenge caused a reaction from both sides, with Luca Connell and Dan Butler seeing yellow cards.

With twenty minutes remaining, Barnsley took the lead with luck on their side. Herbie Kane carried the ball from midfield before his strike took a huge deflection and found the back of the net.

A triple Boro change was made shortly after as Aaron Pressley, Elliott List and Nick Freeman replaced Jamie Reid, Jordan Roberts and Kane Hemmings.

With five minutes to go, a fourth change was made as Jake Forster-Caskey made way for Harvey White in midfield as Boro still trailed two goals to one.

Minutes later, Boro found a chance as the ball fell to Elliott List who dragged his effort wide, but the linesman’s flag was raised anyway.

It was Elliott List again who tried to level the scoring late on as he found space on the right-hand side of the box before firing low and hard into the goalkeeper’s hands. Six added minutes were then displayed.

In added time, Barnsley thought they had found a third, but the linesman’s flag was raised and play continued with just a couple of minutes remaining.

Stevenage fought incredibly hard in the closing stages and did all they could to break down the Barnsley the defence, but the match was concluded as the referee blew his final whistle.

The 352 travelling supporters were heard loud and clear for the entire game and Stevenage were able to be proud of their performance, but ultimately it was two goals against the run of play that made the difference.

Boro can now enjoy their Christmas Day inside the League One play-off places before a Boxing Day clash with Northampton Town at The Lamex Stadium.

Attendance: 12,529 including 352 away supporters.