Stevenage Borough Football Club

Stevenage were knocked for six as their reserve side were unable to get any joy from a strong Peterborough United reserves. Despite some effort from the home side Peterborough romped away with it with three goals in either half.

It was a chance for some squad players to shine and earn a spot in Saturday’s game at Kidderminster. Ashley Bayes, Eddie Anaclet, Mark Albrighton, Junior Mendes, Jerome Anderson, Calum Willock and Peter Vincenti all started the match.

Borough had a poor start as just four minutes into the game Kwesi Appiah scored one of the easiest goals he’ll ever have. Bayes was unable to get his hand to the ball as it was crossed low across the goal and the ball landed at the feet of Appiah, via a deflection, and he struck the ball on the turn into the net.

United extended their lead halfway through the half when Shaun Batt raced free of the defence, and was left with a neat chip over the onrushing Bayes with the ball nestling into the net.

It wasn’t long before Batt scored his second of the game. Working hard down the left hand side he again beat his marker and powered home an angled shot from inside the area. With scoring that goal the striker, signed from Fisher Athletic, equalled the amount of goals he had scored all season in the league.

Willock was denied a penalty shout deep into the half. It had appeared that he was pulled down by his marker but the referee, who was a distance away, didn’t agree and the game continued.

Following on from that, Bayes made a marvellous save down low to his left to deny Appiah his second of the match.

Borough had their best chance of the half just before half time. Anderson was brought down on the edge of the area and from the free kick a corner was given. The ball was nodded down low, only for a combination of goalkeeper and defender to somehow stop the ball on the line.

The second half saw fewer chances, although Borough were an altogether different proposition to the previous half. It was United however, who managed to score as Appiah was sent free in the area to coolly side foot past Bayes from twelve yards.

The goal of the game came from Sergio Torres who sent a delightful low shot inside Bayes’ far post from outside of the crowded box.

Borough had chances, though none were clear cut. They failed to test Jim McKeown in the United goal as the defence were sturdy and well drilled in their job. The long shots and half chances that were taken often missing the target.

With just under ten minutes remaining, Anaclet created the best chance for Borough. He ran the left flank well before cutting inside and unleashing a right footed shot that just skimmed the top of the bar.

Appiah completed his hat trick in dubious circumstances. Dominic Green was all alone in the box, and despite suspicions of offside saw his shot well saved by the foot of Bayes. The rebound however fell to Appiah who only had to stroke the ball home, although looking a yard or two offside. Bayes wasn’t happy, but the linesman was, and the goal stood.

It was a disappointing scoreline, but one that ultimately could not be disputed.

Stevenage Borough (4-4-2) A Bayes – J Hammond, M Albrighton, J Barnes (Sub: S Ntekolo-Mayunga, 45 mins), E Anaclet – J Mendes, T Harvey, P Vincenti, M Clifford (Sub: T Swaine, 70 mins) – C Willock, J Anderson (Sub: P Ulor, 49 mins)