Stevenage Borough

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Boylan: Netted the winning goal

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Stevenage 2-1 Cambridge Utd

10-man Stevenage Borough re-ignited their play-off hopes on Tuesday night after seeing off the challenge of high-flyers Cambridge United at Broadhall Way.

The visitors almost got off to a flying start in the first minute when left back Anthony Tonkin broke into the Stevenage penalty area but his powerful effort was saved by Chris Day at the near post.

They were made to pay for that missed chance as the hosts claimed the lead just three minutes later through Junior Mendes.

Lawrie Wilson played the ball into the path of Mendes from the right-hand flank and the on-loan striker fired a shot into the bottom-right corner to make it 1-0.

Stevenage could have doubled their lead in the tenth minute but striker Steve Morison scuffed his shot wide at the far post.

Morison missed another glorious opportunity just two minutes later as his glancing header zipped wide of the target.

He was made to rue his lack of accuracy as Cambridge drew level in the 16th minute against the run of play.

The U's struck Stevenage on the break and Robbie Wilmott headed home Chris Holroyd's cross from inside the penalty area.

However, Boro weren't done yet and reclaimed the lead in the 31st minute thanks to former Cambridge forward Lee Boylan.

Defender Scott Laird combined with midfielder Mitchell Cole and sent in an inviting cross which was stabbed home from close range by Boylan.

Boylan came close to doubling his tally just after the interval but sliced his shot wide from a tight angle.

The hosts were then reduced to ten men in the 58th minute when Mark Roberts picked up his second yellow card of the game for a challenge on Wayne Hatswell.

Despite their numerical advantage, Cambridge were unable to claw their way back on even terms again with defensive duo Jon Ashton and Laird providing a solid base for Stevenage.

Stevenage bookings: Roberts, Mills, Morison.

Sent off: Roberts (58).

Cambridge bookings: Gleeson, Reason.

Referee: G Sutton.

Attendance: 3,408.