Despite becoming the first away side to score at The Lamex Stadium this season, a late winner for the hosts meant City left Stevenage beaten 2-1.

Harvey White opened the scoring for Boro after just five minutes, netting directly from a free-kick, before City grew into the game and equalised through a neat move finished by Josh Magennis just before the half-hour. 

Despite creating chances to take the lead, the Grecians were undone late on when a stooping Jordan Roberts header secured all three points for Stevenage.

Gary Caldwell made just one change from the side that lost at home to Port Vale last Saturday, with Pierce Sweeney returning for his first League One start since December 2024. The Irishman came in for the injured Jack Aitchison, with Jack McMillan, Jake Doyle-Hayes and Ethan Brierley completing the midfield three. Liam Oakes returned to the bench, as did Johnly Yefko, after a successful 60-minute outing in Tuesday’s Vertu Trophy match.

First half

The hosts struck early, going ahead after only five minutes. When Dan Kemp was hauled down on the edge of the penalty area, White stepped up and curled a superb free-kick into the top corner.

City looked for an immediate response, with the ball breaking kindly for Magennis inside the box. His effort deflected off a defender but bounced harmlessly into the arms of the keeper, the first shot on target from a visiting side at The Lamex this season.

Although the Grecians were forced to defend for much of the early stages, they gradually settled, and Ilmari Niskanen tested the keeper with a low strike after bringing down a long pass on the wing.

An early blow came when Sonny Cox was forced off injured, replaced by Jayden Wareham. White then had another free-kick from a promising position after a soft Doyle-Hayes foul, but this time sent it over the bar.

Undeterred, City levelled shortly after. Sweeney strode forward and released Niskanen wide, the Finn whipping a low ball across the area for Magennis to tap in at the back post - his fourth goal of the season.

Stevenage thought they had restored their advantage just minutes later. Fitzwater failed to clear under pressure, Jamie Reid stole possession and squared for Kemp to finish, but the assistant’s flag cut short celebrations.

At the other end, City almost snatched the lead before the break. A series of Danny Andrew deliveries caused chaos in the box, but despite the ball bouncing close to the line, no one in blue could force it over.

Second half

Straight after the restart, Wareham had a golden chance to put City ahead when found 10 yards out, but he dragged his effort wide.

Stevenage then applied pressure of their own. White’s strike was scrambled off the line, before Chem Campbell found the net only for play to be pulled back for a foul.

Just past the hour, City had a set-piece chance of their own. From 30 yards, Andrew opted to shoot rather than cross this time, forcing the keeper to tip his effort over the bar.

Both sides made changes as the tempo dipped, though City were frustrated when substitute Reece Cole looked to have been hauled down by the last defender on a breakaway, only for the referee to wave play on.

That decision proved costly as, nine minutes from time, Stevenage struck the decisive blow. Phoenix Patterson cut inside from the left and curled a cross to the back post, where Roberts dived in to head home.

City pushed hard in added time and came close when Kieran Wilson glanced a header wide, before Cole and Andrew both fired over, but they couldn’t find a late equaliser as the match ended 2-1.

Up next

The Grecians return to St James Park next Saturday to face Huddersfield Town in a 3pm kick-off, as they look to bounce back from this defeat. Back City and get your tickets now!

Stevenage XI: Marschall, James-Wildin, Butler, Houghton, Piergianni, Kemp, Goode, White, Reid (Roberts, 68'), Campbell (Paterson, 68'), Lubala (Ahadme, 68').

Subs not used: Ashby-Hammond, Sweeney, Freestone, Orford.

Goals: White 5', Roberts 81'

Yellow card: Roberts 81'

Exeter City XI: Whitworth, Niskanen, Sweeney (C) (Yfeko, 72'), Fitzwater, Turns, Andrew, Doyle-Hayes, McMillan (Cole, 72'), Brierley (Wilson, 83'), Cox (Wareham, 24'), Magennis.

Subs not used: Bycroft (GK), Francis, Oakes.

Goal: Magennis 27'

Yellow card: Wareham 38'

Attendance: 4,129 (368 away)