Stevenage lost 1-0 to Exeter City at the Lamex on Tuesday evening.

Rory McCardle's 28th minute goal sealed the points for the visitors in a hard-fought League Two clash.

Stevenage lost at home for the first time in seven matches against a solid Grecians side.

Despite Boro's resolute defending, goals were once again the problem as the Hertfordshire outfit missed a number of important chances.

Alex Revell made four changes from his Boro side that beat Grimsby Town 2-1 at the weekend, with David Stockdale, Remeao Hutton, Jack Smith and match-winner Matty Stevens replacing Jamie Cumming, Luther Wildin, Charlie Carter and Arthur Read.

For the Grecians, Matt Taylor made five changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Carlisle United.

The visitors reverted back to the wing-back system Taylor employed last season.

In came Jake Caprice, McArdle, Alex Hartridge, skipper Taylor and Ben Seymour for Josh Key, Tom Parkes, Lewis Page, Nigel Atangana and Nicky Law – the quartet benched, while Law departed to pastures new in the US, to join Indy Eleven.

The first key moment of the match fell to Boro, the lively Matty Stevens shooting low and forcing a low stop from the Grecians Icelandic keeper Jökull Andrésson.

In the tenth minute, Luke Norris was put through on goal by a cross field pass by Jack Aitchinson before the striker smashed the ball of the bar and out for a goal kick.

They were made to pay when Mcardle's first half header from a dangerous Sparkes free kick evaded Stockdale - who was signed on an emergency loan deal hours before the game - ending up in the bottom right hand corner for the game's only goal.

However, Revell's side kept the pressure up, Elliot List and Luke Norris once again forcing saves from keeper Andresson who impressed.

Exeter struck the woodwork against the run of play, another Sparkes cross reaching the head of Matt Jay before hitting the upright.

Exeter went into the second half intent on keeping their lead. They were happy to let Boro keep possession of the ball before trying to catch them on the counter and force mistakes.

No clear-cut chances were created by either team as the game headed towards the end of the 90.

At full time, Boro once again regretted missed chances despite an impressive showing against a defensively resolute promotion chasing Exeter side.

The victory saw the Grecians move to within one point of the play-off spot, behind Newport County in seventh.

Alex Revell's side remain in 21st position, four points ahead of Grimsby in the relegation zone.

Read Owen Rodbard on Stevenage FC every day at Nub News