Stevenage exit the FA Cup at the third round...

The third round of the FA Cup is one of English football’s most joyous occasions every year, and this season it was a trip to non-league Maidstone United on the menu for Stevenage.

Three changes were made from our New Years’ Day clash with Portsmouth as Jake Forster-Caskey, Terence Vancooten and Kane Hemmings returned to the starting eleven.

Boro lined up with a back five of Luther James-Wildin, Dan Sweeney, Terence Vancooten, Carl Piergianni and Nick Freeman from right to left, with Taye Ashby-Hammond between the sticks. A midfield pivot of Louis Thompson and Jake Forster-Caskey stood behind Jordan Roberts in the number ten role, as Jamie Reid and Kane Hemmings led the line.

The first chance of the game went Stevenage’s way as Jake Forster-Caskey took aim from the edge of the area, but he dragged his shot just wide of the post.

It was a rather open game as both sides were creating several chances in the early stages. Maidstone came close with a header on goal, but Ashby-Hammond got into position quickly to get both hands on it.

Stevenage were edging closer to the opening goal after twenty-five minutes as Jake Forster-Caskey’s defence-splitting pass created a dangerous chance inside the area, but the hosts defended the threat.

Towards the end of the first half, the sides were finding less chances on goal as it became a physical battle at Gallagher Stadium. The 3G pitch was something Stevenage had to adapt to, but they appeared to have no problems on the different surface.

After two minutes of added time were held up by the fourth official, Maidstone were awarded a penalty. It was Sam Corne stood over the ball as he fired to Ashby-Hammond’s right to open the scoring. The referee then blew for half time.

Ahead of the second half, a double change was made by the gaffer as Louis Thompson and Jake Forster-Caskey were replaced by Ben Thompson and Finley Burns.

Boro came incredibly close to taking the lead five minutes into the half as Jamie Reid’s effort from close range was denied by Lucas Covolan. From the resulting corner, Carl Piergianni rose above everybody before seeing his headed effort blocked on the line.

Ten minutes into the half, Stevenage made their third substitution of the afternoon as Harvey White was introduced in place of Jordan Roberts. Nick Freeman moved into the number ten role, with White sitting behind in the midfield.

Just after the hour mark, Stevenage yet again looked destined to equalise as Ben Thompson broke on the counterattack before playing it through to Kane Hemmings, but the forward was unable to slot it past the Maidstone stopper.

With twenty minutes to go, Gallagher Stadium was simply stunned at the fact that Boro had not scored, as Jamie Reid’s close-range effort hit the cross before Kane Hemmings was unable to tap in the follow-up. Somehow, Maidstone remained a goal in front.

Two more substitutions were made with fifteen to go as Kane Hemmings and Nick Freeman made way for Elliott List and Alex MacDonald respectively.

The final whistle was getting closer and closer, and Stevenage just could not find the back of the net. The fourth official displayed four added minutes to give Boro a glimmer of hope.

Sadly, Boro could not find a way through in the final moments as the referee, Stephen Martin, blew his final whistle to send Maidstone into the fourth round.