Stevenage 1-0 Rochdale: Steve Evans' Boro win again to go fourth in League Two

Carl Piergianni's first-half header was enough for Steve Evans Stevenage to beat 1-0 Rochdale at Broadhall Way on Tuesday evening.

While the scoreline was tight, the result did not flatter Boro, who dominated Robbie Stockdale's side throughout the match at a rainy Lamex.

Speaking after the final whistle Evans admitted his side should and could have won by more - but it is a reflection of just how far his Boro side have come, since the charismatic Scot was appointed as boss of a relegation-threatened side back in April.

Stevenage drew 2-2 at Spotland last November, prior to former captain Scott Cuthbert ensuring it proved to be a Good Friday back in April for Evans and his Stevenage side as they pulled three points away from the relegation zone in the return game.

This time around the hosts should have made more of their dominance, but a Danny Rose disallowed goal was the closest they came to a second.

Rochdale remain rock bottom of the fourth tier without a point - Steve Evans' unbeaten side climb into fourth.

Stevenage dominated the early stages, with former Hitchin Town defender Kane Smith providing two excellent crosses that Rose narrowly failed to convert. The breakthrough finally came four minutes before the interval when Rochdale keeper Richard O'Donnell palmed away a low swerving volley from Roberts. Skipper Piergianni met the corner at the back post, nodding home for a deserved lead.

See Nub News on Wednesday for our interview with victorious Boro boss Evans.

Related article: Optimism is back says Owen Rodbard - Three Things We've Learned about Steve Evans' Boro so far in 2022-23