BORO HAIL THE NEWEST KING!
STEVENAGE had loan goalkeeper Tom King to thank as they extended their unbeaten home run to 10 games with this largely forgettable draw against Carlisle.
King, playing his fourth game for Boro since joining on loan from Millwall, made a number of good saves throughout for the hosts, most notably parrying Danny Grainger’s powerful free-kick from 25 yards in first-half stoppage time.
He also kept out United striker Sam Cosgrove’s attempted chip when through on goal after 30 minutes, in what proved to be the game’s best chance.
King was also equal to substitute Hallam Hope’s low effort within 60 seconds of the Carlisle striker coming on, then reacted to claim Mike Jones’ deflected goal-bound shot six minutes from time.
“On the balance of play, you would say a draw was probably the fair result but we had the two best chances of the game,” said United manager Keith Curle.
“Their goalkeeper made a great save low down from Hallam and Sam decided to take his shot early and attempt a Hollywood lob, which he does regularly in training.
“I don’t think the players are struggling for confidence going forward. It’s just that when things are going your way, those chances go in.”
Boro, who last lost at home on October 21, threatened in the opening 10 minutes through Matt Godden and Tom Pett.
Godden flashed a low drive across the face of goal from a tight angle while Pett’s glanced header from Ben Kennedy’s cross went wide.
Kennedy’s well -struck volley from the edge of the box gave United goalkeeper Jack Bonham an easy save in tricky conditions.
Curle added: “I think they had one shot in the first half. Second half, they didn’t really test us at all. I’ll take a clean sheet against a team who have been getting positive results at home.”
His Stevenage counterpart Darren Sarll had a different opinion on the game, claiming his side were the better team.
“I felt very comfortable defensively. The only time I was on guard were from their set-plays – they’re a big side, so they had an advantage there,” he said.
“All games are fights at this level. But if the pitch had been flat and green, would they have passed it through our midfield? If we’d have nicked a 1-0, it wouldn’t have been undeserved.
“We passed the ball well. We played with some good momentum. We had more good moments than them.
“At times, we just needed more movement to break it down and drop the ball in behind them. “But it’s a good point. Four points against Carlisle in any season is a decent
accumulation.”