Stevenage ended the year on a low note as Enzio Boldewijn netted the winner for 10-man Crawley.

Boldewijn’s first-half goal secured Town only their seventh home League Two win in the calendar year, condemning Boro to their eighth successive away defeat, following their 3-0 Boxing Day loss at Lincoln.

Midfielder Boldewijn broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute from close range, reacting quickly to force the ball in after goalkeeper Joe Fryer could only parry a long-range shot from Mark Randall.

Crawley were reduced to 10 men just two minutes later with midfielder Josh Payne being shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Alex Samuel.

Recalled Crawley keeper Glenn Morris was brought into action for the first time when he saved a low shot from Joe Martin 12 minutes after the interval.

Ben Kennedy was also denied by Morris as Boro enjoyed more possession as the half wore on and the Crawley keeper ensured victory by superbly tipping over a goal-bound header from Matt Godden late on.

Stevenage return to The Lamex to host Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, ahead of their FA Cup third round home tie against Championship outfit Reading on January 6.

Stevenage: Fryer, Henry (Whelpdale 60), Franks, King, Martin, McKee, Smith, Gorman (Pett 60), Samuel (Gray 75), Godden, Kennedy. Unused subs: Wilkinson, Day, Conlon, Wilmot.

Attendnace: 2,075.