Boro Player spoke to Gary Smith as he prepares to take on the side joint top of the division, Doncaster Rovers, and he is hoping that the momentum from last weekend’s victory at Crewe Alexandra will help create a positive home performance.
“We’re really buoyant” he began, “there’s a real confident mood and I thought the performance [against Crewe] in general gave everybody something to really grasp hold of. It wasn’t just a 2-1 victory; there were some very good performances.
“It was full of energy, very vibrant and the guys have brought into through into this week in the training sessions. They look nice and bright and they’re well and truly up for the joint league leaders coming into town.”
In that game previous Stevenage went behind but there was certainly a different feel about the tie, and a confidence that in time the goals would come.
That they did, with Lucas Akins and Marcus Haber both netting in the second half to secure victory and Smith continued “I think everybody was disappointed at half time when we spoke, the feel was that if we could continue to play the way we were that we would get reward from that and credit to the players because it is difficult.
“It can be a kick in the teeth when you go behind and as we have seen so many times in this league, the first goal normally means that the side who scored it are going to get something out of the game. The players knuckled down, it was a good first goal, we kept the ball alive, and the second goal that secured it for us was very bright and positive from Marcus and hopefully it gives him a bit of a shot in the arm.”
Speaking about this week’s opponents, who go into the game without a manager after Dean Saunders’ departure to Wolves, Smith described a tough task.
“They have the best away record in the league, only 8 goals conceded I believe in away games, it’s no easy task. With a renewed feel and vigor about the group, there is a lot of positive air about us so I’m really excited to see the group at home, to see them really get after Doncaster and come up with the result that we’re all really after!”
To see the full interview, including Smith’s thoughts on the two loan signings and just what they’ll bring to the side, sign into your Boro Player account now.