Young on target for the Shaymen

The Shaymen move a point closer to cementing a play off place after a hard fought 1 v 1 draw against Stevenage Borough at The Shay. And the result, coupled with York's loss at Cambridge ensures Town head into the Easter Programme another point better than off than their rivals who still have each other to play.

The first half was pulsating with wave after wave of Town attacks and there were strong penalty appeals after only 5 minutes when Lewis Killeen was felled latching on to a Ryan Sugden flick. The robust approach of the visitors was obvious as early as the 6^th minute when ex Shayman Darren Stamp was cautioned for his second lunge on Adam Quinn in 60 seconds.

Danny Forrest won South Stand Bar MOM

Danny Forrest was the inspiration behind most attacks and the excellent Alan Julian had to be alert to turn his left foot drive round the post in the 14^th minute. Only 4 minutes later Forrest tested Julian again. A flowing passing in the 21^st minute released Brian Smikle and his shot looked goal bound until Julian's fingertips intervened. Another move involving Smikle and Forrest ended with the loanee from West Bromwich Albion reaching the by-line but his cross narrowly evaded Sugden and Killeen.

A goal had to come and it did after 35 minutes. A Matt Doughty corner was partially cleared and a high ball was knocked into the penalty area. Greg Young was the man who got his head to it and his effort evaded Julian in the visitors goal. Town were rampant and Killeen almost extended the lead 2 minutes later with Julian saving well again.

The first half ended after a dominating display from The Shaymen. Stevenage were always likely to cause problems after the break but the first 45 minutes ended with Town proving to the larger than average crown what a good side they really are.

A surging run from Tyrone Thomson was ended by a crude Jason Goodliffe challenge early in the 2^nd half as Town began as they ended the first, on the attack.

The visitors threat increased with the aerial ability of Stamp a menace. However the Town defence worked superbly as a unit to repel Borough. Jon Nurse and Dino Maamria both met near post crosses but were unable to trouble Jon Kennedy.

John Grant replaced Sugden and was immediately involved in a delightful move with Forrest but his shot was deflected wide for a corner which was headed clear only to be returned by a Steve Bushell thunderbolt which was deflected narrowly wide.

With just 5 minutes remaining Stevenage levelled. From a right wing corner Darryn Stamp rose high on the back post to bring his side level and this is the way the game ended.

It will be remembered for a superb first half display in particular and although there will be frustration at only drawing the fans have every right to be proud of a performance that shows a play off place can become a reality in the next 2 weeks.

1	Jon Kennedy			:			Alan Julian	1
2	Steven Haslam			:			Jon Nurse	20
5	Adam Quinn			:	79		Jason Goodliffe	5
16	Greg Young			:	46 +4		Barry Laker	6
3	Matthew Doughty			:			Luke Oliver	21
26	Danny Forrest			:			Dino Maamria	9
18	Tyrone Thompson			:			George Boyd	11
8	Martin Foster			:			Darryn Stamp	27
25	Brian Smikle		73	:			Ronnie Henry	25
10	Lewis Killeen			:	86		Dannie Bulman	15
11	Ryan Sugden		73	:			Ollie Berquez	17
20	John Grant		73	:			Shane Gore	31
4	Steve Bushell		73	:	79		Jefferson Louis	22
19	Peter Atherton			:	86		Simon Weatherstone	23
15	Chris Senior			:			Michael Warner	2
24	Lee Butler			:	46 +4		Adam Miller	10

Goal Attempts	7	:	3	Goal Attempts
On Target	5	:	1	On Target
Crosses	4	:	1	Crosses
Corners	14	:	4	Corners
Offside	2	:	2	Offside
Fouls	7	:	10	Fouls
Free kicks	12	:	10	Free kicks
Yellow cards	1	:	2	Yellow cards
Red cards	-	:	-	Red cards
% Possession	67	:	33	Possession %