Stevenage Borough

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Stevenage 1-1 Tamworth

Blue Square Premier newboys Tamworth got their campaign off to a positive start when they managed a 1-1 draw against Stevenage at Broadhall Way.

Lee Boylan's penalty gave the home side the lead, but Bradley Pritchard's strike mid-way through the first-half made sure that the Lambs came away from the game with a point.

Boro, the favourites going into the tie, dominated the early exchanges and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 13th minute when Scott Laird was brought down in the area after a fantastic run down the left and Lee Boylan made no mistake from the resulting spot-kick.

The Lambs seemed to struggle early on, but some solid defending kept them in the game and they were rewarded for their determination when hitman Bradley Pritchard found some space in the Boro defence and fired the ball past stopper Chris Day in the 29th minute.

The goal gave the visitors a renewed confidence and it was them who closed the stronger of the two sides in the first-half as they almost went ahead just before the break when Neil MacKenzie's long-range effort sailed just wide.

Tamworth started the second-half the same way they had finished the first and the Lambs were close to taking the lead when Chris Smith produced a fantastic low cross, but none of his teammates were able to get onto the end of it as the ball rolled across the face of goal.

However, Gary Mills' side seemed to fade away as the second-half progressed as Boro took control of the game.

But for all their chances, Stevenage were unable to find the back of the net as they missed two golden opportunities to wrap up the game late on.

First Charlie Griffin pulled a shot wide after finding himself one on one with the keeper and then Michael Bostwick saw his header saved by Daniel Alcock.

Graham Westley's sides frustrations were summed up when Joel Byrom was given his marching orders for a reckless challenge on Pritchard during injury time.

Stevenage bookings: Byrom (sent off)

Tamworth bookings: Tait

Ref: Stephen Ross (Lincolnshire)

Att: 2,130.