Game on!

Stevenage’s hopes of reaching the play-offs are still alive after a 2-1 win over local rivals Cambridge United at Broadhall Way. A fantastic performance with 10 men gave Graham Westley’s side victory in a frantic encounter. The evening was made even better as fellow play-off contenders Kidderminster could only draw 2-2 against Forest Green, narrowing the gap between 5th & 6th. I still think Kidderminster will drop more points from now until the end of the season, so winning is essential for us if we are to sneak 5th.

With Michael Bostwick, David Bridges and Darren Murphy all unavailable in central midfield, the Boro boss decided to recall John Martin from his loan spell at Ebbsfleet and what a decision that turned out to be. Martin was terrific all night in midfield alongside the impressive Gary Mills, who has really improved in the last 2/3 games. Both players controlled the threat of Jai Reason and Paul Carden superbly and restricted Cambridge to attacking down the flanks. GW also brought back Lawrie Wilson at right back after Ronnie Henry’s injury on Saturday. Cambridge also had changes to make and Gary Brabin replaced Phil Bolland with youngster Josh Coulson. Daryl McMahon also started instead of Andy Parkinson on the left.

With the atmosphere pumping, helped by a strong away support, Boro needed to kick on early and that’s what they did. The ball was flying around the park for the first 5 minutes and Stevenage scored within this period. After the ball cannoned around Morison and Hatswell, it finally broke for Junior Mendes who ran on and beat Danny Potter at his near post with a cool strike. Potter should of done better with keeping it out, but it was exactly what Boro needed after Saturday’s defeat at Kidderminster.

Cambridge though are always capable of scoring at any time and you always felt last night that whenever they attacked, something could happen. Boro continued to attack after the goal and went close when Morison volleyed wide. Morison was proving to be a thorn in the U’s defence and went close again with a header after good work by Boylan. Cambridge though countered minutes later and equalised through a Robbie Wilmott header. Carden worked the ball out to the right and Holroyd’s cross from the byline was headed in by Wilmott. A disappointing goal to concede, but to Stevenage’s credit, their heads didn’t go down and Westley’s side continued to work hard.

Boro continued to press and nearly made a way through when Mitchell Cole was sent clear, but he was hauled down by Coulson. Unfortunately for Boro, he wasn’t the last man, so only saw yellow. One of the only decisions the referee got right all night. It didn’t take that long for Stevenage to get back in front though and good build up play on the left between Cole and Laird sent the left back to the byline, where his cross was met by Boylan who slotted home. A fantastic goal and a typical Boylan finish. His predatory instinct could be vital in the run in.

The half-time score was 2-1 Boro. The second half was again played at a quick pace as Cambridge searched for a second equaliser. It was made a little easier with 30 minutes still to play when Mark Roberts was sent off for a second bookable offence. Roberts was adjudged to have kicked the ball away in frustration and was sent from the field. He must of kicked the ball as the whistle was being blown for the free-kick and was just another stupid decision that the ref made last night. Albrighton came on to replace Mendes. Boylan and Cole played off Morison with Martin and Mills controlling the midfield.

Cambridge had a few opportunities to score, but the bounce eluded them last night. There were no real clear cut chances and in the end Boro comfortably made it to the 95 minutes. Peter Vincenti was thrown on for Boylan late on and he along with Martin and some others were superb in wasting as much time as possible towards the end. A thoroughly deserved win for Westley’s men who have their confidence back again in time for Ebbsfleet on Saturday. Another unbeaten run has just begun…