Stevenage salvage point with late stoppage-time equaliser at Burton
Olly Sanderson’s debut goal secures a draw for the visitors at the Pirelli Stadium after Jack Armer had cancelled out Burton’s early pressure.
Stevenage secured a point in their Sky Bet League One fixture against Burton Albion after Olly Sanderson scored in stoppage time to level the contest at 1-1. The former Fulham player came off the bench for his debut and bundled home the equaliser, denying Burton a victory in a match characterised by few clear-cut chances.
Burton Albion began the encounter at the Pirelli Stadium with greater intensity, controlling much of the early play. Charlie Webster provided the first significant opportunity for the hosts in the 13th minute, turning sharply and firing a rising drive narrowly over the crossbar. Despite Burton’s dominance in possession, Stevenage’s Luther James-Wildin saw a promising effort go wide as the visitors began to pose a threat.
The first half saw Burton skipper Curtis Tilt head a difficult chance wide, while Webster was denied one-on-one by Stevenage goalkeeper Filip Marschall. Burton enjoyed a golden opportunity to take the lead immediately after the restart, but Matty Dennis failed to steer a loose ball on target after Marschall cleared Kyran Lofthouse’s cross.
Jack Armer finally broke the deadlock with 15 minutes remaining, latching onto a cross from Lofthouse at the back post to fire into the far corner. The goal appeared to settle the contest, but Stevenage’s persistence was rewarded when substitute Josh Magennis unsettled the Burton defence, allowing Sanderson to poke home the late equaliser.
The result leaves Stevenage, last season’s play-off semi-finalists, with a hard-fought point away from home. Burton Albion, who drew an attendance of 3,001 at the Pirelli Stadium, will feel they missed the chance to capitalise on their early dominance and sustained pressure throughout the match.
