A great crowd, swelled for the statue unveiling, saw Rovers grab a point, in a game where there were probably more negatives than positives.
Rovers started brighter, but Stevenage took the lead with an unfortunate og from Ihiekwe, which looped over OFW and nearly doubled it with a well-worked free-kick routine hitting the post. Then lots of time-wasting, dragging things out from the visitors; fair play to the referee, who was weak in many aspects for adding 6 minutes. Rovers were aimless, lots of hit and hope balls, but didn't really test the keeper.
Second half started with chances at both ends, Rovers' being a free-header for Laird, which was saved by the keeper. Ridehalgh came on for Johnson, but about 5 minutes later a suicidal clearance from Ihiekwe back across goal gave Stevenage a second. Jennings reduced the arrears quickly, a great shot from outside the area. However, we kept giving the ball away, not anticipating the second ball so our possession wasn't converted into goal chances. With 'extra' extra time, following Jennings having a scuffle with one of their bench, who'd held onto the ball after a Rovers throw-in, for the umpteenth time, Ihiekwe volleyed home from close range.
Defence OFW usual poor kicking and distribution, but didn't have much chance for their goals. Brezovan wasn't even on the bench is he injured? Both full-backs did ok, as did Ridehalgh when he came on, but the central defenders were frail. Holness seems incapable of organising a defence and today didn't show much leadership as captain; time to give Thompson a game?
Midfield Jennings was a bit rusty first half, but got into the game more, breaking up play, making decent tackles. Max improved after an indifferent first half. Laird had some good moments, but the jury's still out. Rowe didn't even make the bench. Collectively, they seemed to allow quick a lot of space for Stevenage to build attacks.
Forwards O dear. Odejayi was dire, even taking into account that the referee appeared to have declared open season on him, he was penalised for the slightest heavy touch, they were allowed to manhandle him with impugnity. Johnson didn't get into the game, the lumping it forward strategy by-passed him, a pity as there were some nice touches when he got the ball. Granduillet was probably best of a bad bunch, but a few bad decisions, wild shots from outside the area an example. RLC indicates concern about Edwards' signings, I'd certainly include Donnelly in that batch and once again contributed nothing. Richards was more involved when he came on.
Management. I think Micky got the starting line-up wrong and arguably should have made changes at half-time. Odeyaji should have been the first to be hooked and I'd have liked to see Baggie given some match-time to force more play on the deck. However he must take credit for the fact we kept battling away to grab the point
MOM Jennings. A proper defensive-midfielder, showed what we'd been missing, who scored a great goal too.