The striker, on loan from Bristol City, had scored his first Boro goal on 25 minutes but in doing so appeared to badly injure his right ankle, immediately calling for attention as did his worried team-mates.

That had been the final goal of the game and came after the visitors took a shock 10th-minute lead, Elijah Williams’ left-wing cross turned in by the slightest of touches from Jayden Stockley.

But after Carl Piergianni hit the post from a corner nine minutes later, Dan Phillips volleyed Stevenage level with the aid of a deflection and then Cornick pounced after Joe Gauci had parried a Matt Phillips effort, although he paid that heavy price. Jamie Reid took his place after a long stoppage.

Vale thought they had equalised at the end of the first half but the effort from Andre Gray was ruled out for an earlier infringement.

Stevenage dominated the second half and though they could not find a third despite plenty of chances, two goals proved sufficient.