Reflecting on his side’s 2-1 win at Mansfield this afternoon, Darren Sarll said his side really dug in for the three points
“In terms of it being a spectacle I’m just pleased it’s over as I thought it was a horrendous game to watch from my perspective. I think the squad have faced questions and criticism about whether they could not only play – they’re all good footballers – but whether they really had the grit of Stevenage teams of old. Anyone here today will see what we have done in terms of backs to the wall, dying for each other and they’ll know the answer to that question.
Today’s victory made it two consecutive away wins and whilst cautious about saying his side had turned a corner, Darren expressed his pleasure with the recent performances.
“From a manager’s perspective I don’t think you ever turn a corner. I think the demand to win games is relentless and ever-present in my mind. Two wins in three is a good return. You can go to Morecambe and play your football and we won really quite well. Last Saturday was a really good performance without really taking any points or any luck – decisions definitely didn’t swing our way there. And then we’ve come here today and almost put the ball away a little bit, by being organised, solid and resilient, especially with young players.”
Turning his attention to his two goalscorers, Charlie Lee and Harry McKirdy, Darren told us, “Charlie’s capable every week of doing that due to his prowess in those situations, but it was pleasing for everyone to see what little Harry McKirdy can do. He’s always got that moment of individual quality. It was a lovely ball by Kennedy and they’re such a mischievous pair. Kennedy makes the first goal for the free-kick and McKirdy obviously scores in the second half.
“We needed a moment of real individual quality at that stage of the game. They’d just got back to 1-1 and we saw Harry reel away. It was just disappointing we had so much time left on the clock after that! It was a terrific finish. The temperament of the lad to go through on his first start and finish like that was top drawer. He’s going to be a good player.
"I was really pleased and it’s been a good day."
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