Stevenage fall to defeat in tricky conditions at The Lamex...

Stevenage arrived at The Lamex Stadium for the second time in four days as former Premier League club, Reading, came to town. The Boro Gaffer made three changes from Saturday’s victory over Blackpool, as Jake Forster-Caskey, Terence Vancooten and Louis Thompson returned to the starting eleven.

Craig MacGillivray remained between the sticks, as Terence Vancooten slotted into right-back, with Dan Sweeney, Carl Piergianni and Dan Butler making up the rest of the back four.

A midfield trio of Louis Thompson, Jake Forster-Caskey and Nick Freeman sat behind the attacking three of Jordan Roberts, Vadaine Oliver and Jamie Reid.

Stevenage started the brighter of the two sides as they looked to gain the upper hand against the visitors. Jake Forster-Caskey, full of confidence after his goal on the weekend, had two shots on target in the space of two minutes; the first being denied by David Button, and the second sailing over the bar on the volley.

The atmosphere inside The Lamex Stadium grew louder and louder as Boro’s relentless pressing caused all sorts of issues for the Reading defence. Somehow, the hosts could not find a breakthrough, as Terence Vancooten’s long range effort was fired over the bar.

Stevenage remained on the front foot for the most part in the first half, and were edging closer and closer to an opening goal. Jamie Reid almost scored a fantastic goal after carrying the ball from the halfway line to the goal, but his effort was deflected wide.

Then, moments later, Jake Forster-Caskey had another effort on goal, this time deflecting into the path of Jamie Reid who tapped it against the post from close range. Boro were not giving up as they looked determined to score before half-time.

However, it was Reading who opened the scoring from completely out of the blue. Amadou Mbenge’s long throw was sent into the box and deflected into the back of the net to give Reading the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Boro had it all to do in the second half, despite being the far better side in the first.

The first fifteen minutes of the half saw very little to write home about as Reading looked to keep a hold of their one goal advantage. On the hour mark, Boro look destined to score though, as a cross towards the back post was inches away from being tapped home.

Minutes later, Vadaine Oliver had a golden chance to grab his first Stevenage goal, but could only drag his shot wide. Boro were constantly battling, but just could not find the back of the net.

The rain did not stop pouring all evening as conditions became miserable. With over twenty minutes remaining, the visitors came incredibly close to making it two, but the heroic Dan Sweeney slid in at the last second to block Sam Smith’s effort and keep the scoreline at 1-0.

A triple Boro change followed, as Louis Thompson, Vadaine Oliver and Jordan Roberts made way for Finley Burns, Aaron Pressley and Alex MacDonald.

The chances continued to come for Stevenage, who were trying everything in their power to level up the scoring. Jamie Reid had a headed effort on goal, but David Button caught it calmly.

A fourth change was then made with ten of the ninety remaining, as Ben Thompson replaced Jake Forster-Caskey in the middle of the park.

The final ten minutes continued to be frustrating for Stevenage who just could not find a way through, despite their absolute best efforts in the wet conditions.

Five minutes of added time were displayed by the fourth official, but it just wasn’t enough for Stevenage to get their goal as the referee blew his final whistle.

It was an evening on which one goal could make the difference, and unfortunately it was Reading who took it from nothing.

Stevenage will now prepare for a trip to Vale Park on Saturday.

Attendance: 3947, including 886 away.

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