YORK CITY 1 STEVENAGE BOROUGH 1

 

Stevenage Borough earned a hard-fought point at Kit-Kat Crescent on Saturday, but it was the conditions that were the winner as blustery conditions made playing football a lottery. Borough led through a first half own goal but were denied a victory by an equaliser late into added time.

 

With the long-term injuries to Lawrie Wilson, Jon Ashton and David Bridges showing no sign of clearing and the game coming too early for Ronnie Henry there were no surprises as manager Graham Westley was able to name an unchanged side from Tuesday evening’s victory at Luton Town.

 

Both sides struggled to come to terms with the gale force winds in the first quarter, although the conditions were more to the liking of York’s rugged physical style. Mitchell Cole was a constant thorn to James Meredith, the York left back, and twice came close to unlocking the home defence. But the best chance fell to Andy Drury who curled a shot just wide after a typical penetrating run.

 

Stevenage took the lead in the 32^nd minute when a corner from Drury, swung in with the strong wind and was headed past his own goalkeeper by Danny Parslow. It looked as though Borough had added to their lead in added time when Griffin squared for Cole to tap home. But inexplicably the assistant referee raised his flag and the goal was wiped out.

 

The second half started well for the visiting side with Drury forcing an excellent save from Michael Ingram within the first 60 seconds. Borough had to endure a few anxious moments as the home side used the elements to their advantage and lofted the ball in the area but in general the Borough rearguard were comfortable. In fact the best opportunity fell to Stevenage as substitute Yemi Odubade broke free only to be foiled at the last instant by the impressive Djoumin Sangare.

 

Just as Borough looked to be heading for a fifth consecutive away victory they were denied by a late, late equaliser by the home side. Three minutes into added time a corner was swung over from the left and Sangere rose to head the all powerfully past Chris Day.    

 

STEVENAGE BOROUGH (4-4-2) C Day – M Brough, M Bostwick, M Roberts, S Laird – A Drury (Sub: E Odhiambo, 71), D Murphy, J Byrom, M Cole (Sub: Y Odubade, 75) – C Beardsley (Sub: M Albrighton. 83), C Griffin. Substitutes not used: A Bayes, P Vincenti, Booked: Beardsley, Griffin, Laird