Battling City had to settle for a point against Stevenage, but a clean sheet gives something to build on.
The visitors had the ball in the back of the net in just the second minute, but the assistant's flag was already up before Carl Piergianni struck.
Tom Bayliss had an effort saved from the edge of the area after some neat play from Bailey Cadamarteri and Jovon Makama.
Makama did well to get in behind but Piergianni managed to recover with an important challenge.
George Wickens made an impressive diving save after a corner from the visitors was met by Piergianni.
Goalkeeper Murphy Cooper was forced to deal with Makama’s deflected long range effort, tipping it over the bar.
Lewis Montsma had the ball in the back of the net after a great corner delivery from Bayliss but it was ruled out as the centre-back had been ruled to have handled the ball before firing home.
Cooper was forced to push away a low drive from Cadamarteri after a break forward.
Wickens made a smart near post save after a corner caused problems and Harvey White latched on a rebound.
Makama hit an effort over from close range after Reeco Hackett squared it across goal.
City pushed for a goal late on, forcing a number of corners, but in the end had to settle for a point.
City: Wickens, Darikwa, Montsma, Erhahon, Hackett (Duffy 89’), Bayliss (Moylan 66’), Cadamarteri, McGrandles, O’Connor, Roughan, Makama (Draper 80’). Subs (not used): Pardington, Jackson, Hamilton, Jefferies.
Stevenage: Cooper, James-Wildin, N. Thompson, Piergianni, Freeman (Kemp 72’), Roberts, Simpson (Reid 72’), Smith, White (Phillips 83’), L. Thompson, Young (List 67’). Subs (not used): Ashby-Hammond, Sweeney, Appéré.
Referee: Scott Tallis.
Attendance: 8,220 (312 away).
