In-form Boro take out Tranny

Goals in each half from Chris Beardsley and Mark Roberts helped Stevenage to a 2-1 home victory over Tranmere.

Beardsley got the ball rolling with a clever finish seven minutes before half-time and captain Roberts doubled the lead with six minutes remaining. An injury-time Joss Labadie penalty was scant consolation for Rovers. Tranmere had not kept a clean sheet in five games and Beardsley made it six when he flicked home after 38 minutes following a long throw-in from Lawrie Wilson. That was the striker's last contribution, as he hobbled off with an injury shortly afterwards. The home side continued to press after the break, and substitute Robin Shroot set up the onrushing Luke Freeman but he put his effort into the side netting from a tight angle. But Stevenage's other sub, Ben May, was given a straight red card 20 minutes from time after sliding in on Rachubka, who collected the ball just before contact was made. Tranmere pressed after the sending off but could not create any clear cut chances, and the 10 men got a second goal when Shroot's free-kick found Roberts at the back post and he powered a header in. Rovers were awarded a penalty in injury time when Scott Laird hauled down Mark McChrystal, and Labadie sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.