Stevenage suffered a disappointing 1-1 draw to ten-man Exeter as the visitors came from behind to rescue a point at The Lamex on Saturday, writes Owen Rodbard for Nub News.

Stevenage took the lead through captain Carl Piergianni after ex Boro striker Jack Aitchinson was sent off for two first half yellow cards in front of 4,007 fans at Broadhall Way.

Exeter equalised just after half time, with substitute Yanic Wildschut scoring with his first touch. 

The result alongside teams around Boro winning means they set in fifth place, with a busy festive period coming up with four games in nine days. 

Steve Evans made six changes from Tuesday's FA Cup second round replay victory at Port Vale, most notably Louis Thompson returning to the starting line-up for the first time in eight games.

Exeter, who were winless in 11 before kick-off also rung in the changes, with manager Gary Caldwell feeling the pressure after such a bright start to the season.

Nathan Thompson floated the ball out wide to Luther Wildin, whose cross caused panic in the Exeter six-yard box. 

The ball was cleared and found itself at the feet of Dion Rankine who flashed the ball across the Boro penalty area, which would of found the feet of the onrushing Grecians forward had it not been for some excellent last ditch defending from Dan Sweeney. 

The game was seemingly petering out to a 0-0 half time score line, when a calamitous five minutes occurred for the visitors.

In the 42nd minute, ex Boro man Jack Aitchinson saw red after a second bookable offense for dissent following a stonewall yellow card for his teammate Kyle Taylor.  

It got even worse for manager Caldwell two minutes later when Dan Sweeney's cross was met by Carl Piergianni to notch his second league goal of the season.  

The score line was seemingly safe going into the second half, with Exeter offering little in the way of attacking threat, and down now down a man.

However, they shocked Boro at the start of the second half, with the lively Rankine crossing for substitute Wildschut to score with his first touch to send the visiting fans behind the goal delirious.

Stevenage pilled on the pressure, with an array of crosses and balls into the box, of which most were repelled by the Grecians defence who had an inspired afternoon. 

In the 73rd minute, Jamie Reid broke through the stubborn Exeter backline and laid it back to substitute Jordan Roberts, who blasted the ball over the bar from six yards when it looked easier to miss. 

It was Elliot List's turn for a chance on goal next, after being slid through by Harvey White, but his low effort was brilliantly saved by keeper Vil Sinisalo who had an excellent performance between the sticks. 

Exeter continued to wind down the clock to the final whistle, which was greeted by a roar from the visiting fans, and a disappointing lull from the Boro faithful. 

With the chasing play off pack gaining points today, it makes next weekends' away game at Barnsley even more crucial for Boro's promotion hopes. 

Read on to see how Nub News's Owen Rodbard rated each players performance.   

Stevenage Player Ratings:

Ashby-Hammond: 6- Safe hands when rarely called upon, some nervy kicking when under pressure 

Luther Wildin: 6.5- Solid as always, helped Boro move the ball up the pitch quickly and put various good balls into the box 

Dan Sweeney: 6.5- Put his body on the line for the team, composed on the ball with some good passes under pressure 

Nathan Thompson: 7- Some excellent switches of play which really opened the game up, several important tackles and interceptions to prevent danger 

Carl Piergianni: 7- Led his backline well, industrious and solid in the challenge 

Dan Butler: 6- Was caught flat footed on a few occasions which resulted in unneeded fouls, did his best work in the attacking third with some positive runs forward and swung some good crosses into the box 

Jake Forster-Caskey: 6.5- Controlled the midfield with an array of intricate touches and turns in tight spaces, has added that battling aspect to his game this season which he lacked at times last year 

Louis Thompson: 6.5- Controlled the centre of the pitch with some nippy touches and good balls down the line, positive direct running opened up the midfield to create some good chances 

Nick Freeman: 6- Worked hard for the team, often doing the hard running, unlucky to be subbed just after half time for Roberts 

Jamie Reid: 6.5- Brilliant in the press, tenacious, good turn of pace and was unlucky not to score 

Kane Hemmings: 6- A constant threat, never stopped running, strong hold up play, end product could be improved but put a solid shift in 

Substitutions: 

Roberts: 6 

White: 5.5 

List: 6 

.............

Exeter: 

Sinisalo: 7.5 

Rankine: 7 

Sweeney: 6 

Jules: 6.5 

Cole: 5.4 

Niskanen: 6 

Trevitt: 6.5 

Taylor: 4 

Hartridge: 5.5 

Aitchinson: 3 

Diabate: 6.5 

Substitutions: 

Wildschut: 6.5 

Cox: 6 

Carroll: 5.5 

Kite: 5 

Attendance: 4,007