First Half performance needed to continue...
Boro Player spoke to Gary Smith as he builds up to Saturday’s trip to Shrewsbury Town, and he is optimistic about his side’s chances of putting a winning run together.
First looking back to Tuesday night, Smith spoke of the need to apologise to the Stevenage supporters for the second half display – 45 minutes in which Boro went from 1-0 up to 2-1 down against Oldham Athletic.
In an honest assessment of that tie, Smith told us “It was very disappointing, for the first time an apology for the fans and the loyal supporters that have been there for us and tried to get behind us was the order of the day. It was a very good first half; a half of football that we all felt was the prelude to a second victory in the last two [home] games, but that was unfortunately undone by a poor second half performance and again getting beat at home. It was a tough night and I think the guys are pretty dejected about the fact that they haven’t seen through the first half performance.”
Moving forward Boros next opposition is the Shrews and a victory could well be the beginning stage of a turn in fortunes for Smith’s side. He described nailing consistency as “the key” to the improvement that he and his side are looking for, and continued, “We have a side very capable of going on a good run again”.
Our competitors go into the game on the back of a win over early season title contenders Tranmere Rovers, and have lost just twice in their last ten games, and with the attacking signings of Chris Porter and Tom Eaves they are a side that are aiming to be “a little bit more direct”.
Smith continued, “Certainly, [they try] to get the ball into the opponent’s half as often as they can and make the most of it. With Porter and Eaves signing just recently I think we can safely say that they have a direct style of play and a real up-and-at-them competitive nature, and of course that aerial threat is going to be very much a key to their game.”
To see the full interview, including Boro’s team news and whether Smith may dip his toe into the loan market, sign into your Boro Player account now.