Dino Maamria felt that a 3-1 scoreline in favor of Mansfield Town on Saturday didn't accurately reflect the performance his side put in...
Despite being outplayed for much of the first half, Newton's goal gave Stevenage the lead just before the break before Mansfield struck thrice without reply during a second half which Stevenage were much improved.
“I thought it was harsh. The score-line does not reflect our performance. I thought we were better second half, the goals were poor goals to concede, especially the first one from a corner.
“Scott (Cuthbert) says he lost his footing in the six-yard box when he should have cleared it. We controlled that period, we started the half well and on the front-foot. We spoke at half-time that we needed to get that second one to make sure we secure the win.
“I made the sub because I thought we needed a little bit more threat up front, because I thought their back four were there for the taking. I know we won the first half one-nil, but I thought we were largely second best. I was going to make the substitution anyway.
“I think it was a good contest overall, they are a good team, 14 unbeaten now. They have got good players, but overall, I thought we competed well throughout the game."
Newton's goal and overall game showed what the team had missed during his spell on the sidelines this season and Maamria praised the forward for his contribution throughout the game.
"We haven't created many chances upfront recently but i thought we created a lot today and Danny Newton is probably the reason for that. He is very dynamic and we are looking for players on the move when we are attacking teams. He ran a lot today, scored a great goal and showed why we missed him when he wasn't fit.
“I thought Arthur (Iontton), for a 17-year-old was outstanding and Luther James-Wildin was the best player on the pitch. Probably the biggest disappointment from today is that it looks like we are going to lose him (to injury)."
It doesn't get any easier for Maamria's men as next up is a Boxing Day clash at Colchester United.
“Colchester will be a very difficult game on Boxing Day, but it is a game that we look forward to. We have got to do more, we know that. Hopefully we will look after those players over the next two or three days and we will be ready for Colchester on Boxing Day.”
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