Stevenage FC

Boro Player spoke to manager Gary Smith after the victory at MK Dons on Saturday and he was delighted to bounce back from defeat in the fixture previous.

Talking on Saturday he said “I always felt that there might be a few eyes bearing down on us watching today’s game from afar thinking, ‘how are they going to recover from their first defeat’? The character of a group can be measured by a response after a tough time and in some difficult circumstances at Colchester.

“Anybody that was at the game today will not question that in the future. The players have gone out there with a tremendous amount of heart; they’ve showed excellent passion for the game against a very good MK Dons side and have come away with all three points.”

Boro won the game by a single goal and resilient defending kept the home side at bay. The performance was one that pleased Smith and he was happy with the way things unfolded.

“I thought we made as many good chances as we have in a long time [away from home]. We certainly played as much football as we have in a good while, against a very good side. The defending attributes of the group have never been questioned. There is so much discipline and tenacity in our half of the field and I thought we kept them at bay for good periods of the game.”

He continued “Admittedly, they carved us open once or twice, but I think that was to be expected. Behind that back four and that tenacious midfield is a goalkeeper in excellent form.”

To see the full interview, including the gaffers thoughts on a sterling performance from captain Mark Roberts, sign into your Boro Player account now!