One of the greatest night's in Stevenage Football Club's history would unfold on Sunday evening. 

Aston Villa looked certain to see the job through against the Boro, after going 1-0 up through Morgan Sanson in the first half at Villa Park. 

However, against all the odds, Steve Evans' side scored two goals in the closing stages of the game to give the Boro fans a memory to last a lifetime. 

The turning point was Leander Dendoncker's red card, after the Belgian brought down Dean Campbell in the box, giving Stevenage a penalty and Dendoncker his marching orders.

It was Jamie Reid who stepped up to the spot, and dispatched the penalty to equalise in the 88th minute for the Boro. 

Stevenage had momentum from there, and after a short corner wasn't dealt with by Aston Villa, Campbell was the man to fire home the winner for the Boro, to complete the shock of the weekend. 

Here's four things we learnt from Stevenage's dramatic win at Villa Park: 

  • Possession doesn't always win games

Without doubt, Aston Villa had most of the ball. As the Premier League side, they were expected to, and anything less would've been a shock. 

Unai Emery's side had 79% possesion on the night, with the Villains keeping the ball in Stevenage's half for most of the first 80 minutes. 

However, Villa lacked an end product. Even with players who have historically created chances out of 'nothing' situations, they struggled to find a way past a tight Stevenage backline. 

 

Emery started the likes of Coutinho, Douglas Luiz and Morgan Sanson, and with respect to Stevenage, couldn't find a way past a League Two side for most of the game. 

Whilst Sanson scored, that was the only real positive for the Villa midfield on Sunday evening, with the home side having a poor game in the middle of the park. 

  • Stevenage defended incredibly 

Whilst Villa were ultimately poor in midfield with all the possession they had, so much credit must be given to this heroic Stevenage side. 

All 15 players who played at Villa Park played their park in frustrating Aston Villa, defending from back to front to keep the Villains out. 

The Boro showed composure at the back. At times, they even managed to play out of the back with purpose.

 

Whilst all the Boro players were crucial in their win, Dan Sweeney was vital at the back for Steve Evans' side.

The experienced centre-back calmed the play down, and showed confidence to bring the ball forward on the right. 

Max Clark did well to keep Leon Bailey quiet at times down the left, with the Jamaican international finding it difficult to get round the full-back. 

The Stevenage forwards also played their part in the defensive work, especially in the second half when the Boro pressed higher up the field, which eventually caused the mistake for the first goal. 

It was an incredible display all over the pitch for Stevenage, who deserved the victory at Villa Park. 

  • Emery has work to do 

One thing that is clear from the FA Cup tie is that Unai Emery needs reinforcements in the transfer window. 

The Villains have a clear lack of depth in every position, with many failing to step up to the occasion against the League Two side. 

Goalkeeper Robin Olsen had another poor game between the sticks. The Sweeden international gave the ball away on multiple occasions with his distribution. 

Leander Dendoncker ultimately cost the game in the end for Villa with his red card, with the midfielder also making some sloppy mistakes with his distribution which frustrated the Aston Villa fans. 

 

Furthermore, the Aston Villa defence looked very disorganised at times. There looked to be a lack of communication at times, especially between Jan Bednarek and Callum Chambers. 

The centre-back pairing were playing alongside each other for the first time this season, and were indecisive on several occasions at the back. 

Whilst Villa fans may focus on one or two individuals, there seems to be problems all over the pitch, which Unai Emery will have to solve.

  • The Magic of the FA Cup is well and truly still alive

One thing that is certain from Sunday's game, the FA Cup continues to create special moments. 

 

The scenes that unfolded at Villa Park on Sunday evening are something that you would not find in any other competition. 

Financially, the FA Cup is huge for lower league clubs, and always will be with the prize money on offer. 

However, more importantly than anything, the competition creates memories to last a lifetime. Stevenage fans and players alike will never forget January 8, 2023, in what was arguably the greatest day in the club's history. 

It gives a chance for the lower league clubs to be shown to the world. After Sunday's result, everyone was talking about the little town of Stevenage. 

Whilst the elite clubs place less importance on the FA Cup, one thing for certain is, it will always be a special competition for lower league clubs.