STEVENAGE BOROUGH 1 ALTRINCHAM 1

 

It took a late, late goal from Michael Bostwick to earn a point against Altrincham at The Lamex Stadium on Saturday and extend Borough’s unbeaten home run to 23 matches. Stevenage bossed the game from start to finish but failed to turn their possession into goal scoring opportunities in what was a laboured and disjointed performance.  

 

There were three changes to Tuesday’s line-up as the Borough injury list continues to grow. Out went Joel Byrom, Ronnie Henry and Mark Albrighton to add to the work load of Paul Dando, the club physio. Michael Bostwick moved to the back to partner Mark Roberts, Eddie Obhiambo dropped back to slot in at right back with Andy Drury coming in to fill his right midfield position. The central midfield featured a whole new partnership with the welcome return of Darren Murphy after a lengthy injury and an early start of Michael Brough, brought back to the club late in the week on a month long loan from Torquay United.

 

Altrincham had an early chance when Chris Day misjudged the flight of a through ball allowing Aaron Burns to pounce, but just as the striker seemed poised to slide the ball into the empty net Scott Laird slid in to clear the ball.

 

Despite enjoying the bulk of possession, Borough failed to trouble Stuart Coburn in the Altrincham goal and they paid the price midway through the half. Altrincham earned themselves a soft freekick wide on the right when Chris Senior collapsed under a challenge from Odhiambo and when Burns swung in the freekick giant centre back Robert Williams applied the deftest of touches to guide the ball just inside the far post.

 

The changes were not helping Borough’s case, their play lacked fluidity and when they did carve out opportunities they often overplayed rather than testing Coburn. It was Drury who came closest to an equaliser, side footing a shot just wide after a jinking run from his own half. With the clock running down at the end of the period Mitchell Cole was presented with a glorious opportunity ten yards from goal, but blazed just over the bar.

 

Borough changed their striking options at the break with Charlie Griffin replacing Beardsley. The change almost delivered an instant reward when Griffin headed a cross from Odhiambo back across goal but Boylan’s stooping close-range header was well saved by Coburn, but at least the goalkeeper was tested.

 

With Drury dictating play from a more central position Borough continued to press but Altrincham were proving dogged and doughty opponents, although offering very little attacking threat. The equaliser almost came on 72 minutes from a Stacy Long corner, Peter Vincenti’s effort was cleared from the line and Boylan’s effort was pushed on to the bar.

 

Laird put the ball in the back of the net with seven minutes remaining, tapping home after Griffin had headed a cross from Brough back across the face of the goal, but the celebrations were cut short by a late flag from the assistant referee. The assistant referee showed the board for four minutes added time and despite domination for the entire second half it appeared as if Borough would have nothing to show for their efforts, until salvation arrived in the form of Bostwick. Laird swung in a ball to the far post of the centre back arrived to head the ball past Coburn. There was almost time for a winner as Boylan fired in a low shot that Coburn did well to turn wide of the post.

 

It was not the result that Borough had hoped for and a two point haul from two home fixtures was not in the script, but it just goes to show that there are no easy matches in this league. Next stop for Stevenage is Kenilworth Road on Tuesday evening where they will hope to add to their run of fine away performances.

 

STEVENAGE BOROUGH (4-4-2) C Day – E Odhiambo, M Bostwick, M Roberts, S Laird – A Drury (Sub: P Vincenti, 70), M Brough, D Murphy (Sub: S Long, 60), M Cole – C Beardsley (Sub: C Griffin, 46), L Boylan. Substitutes not used: A Bayes, Y Odubade.