Stevenage secured a 2-1 win over Leicester City in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, advancing from their group stage. Goals from Wanya Marcal and O. Sanderson were enough to see off the visitors despite a late reply from Emil Riis Jakobsen.
Marcal opened the scoring in the 24th minute, finishing an assist from Daniel Kemp. Sanderson then doubled the lead in the 59th minute, set up by Phoenix Patterson. Leicester pulled one back ten minutes later through Riis Jakobsen, assisted by Harry Souttar, but Stevenage held firm.
Manager Russell Martin made several changes at halftime and throughout the game. Ben Broggio and Louis Thompson were introduced at the break, with Terry Taylor, Tugra Turhan and Samuel Ayolie entering later. The team defended resolutely despite Leicester having 21 shots to their nine.
Martin said he saw "major positives" from the performance. "Strangely believing that would give Leicester more momentum, why not rest Sammy Braybrooke," he added.
The win provides a boost ahead of Saturday's League One home game against Wigan. Stevenage currently sit 13th in the table with nine points from seven matches.
Daniel Kemp, who provided the first assist, is the club's top scorer this season with three goals in seven appearances. The team's recent form shows four wins from their last five games across all competitions.
Leicester City boss Russell Martin said he was "frustrated" by the EFL Trophy defeat. He told reporters his side created many chances but were not clinical. The 2-1 loss on October 6 leaves Leicester second in their group. Stevenage's recent form shows four wins from their last five games. They host Wigan on October 10.
