Dino Maamria says his squad are heading into Saturday’s game at Tranmere Rovers full of confidence after an eye-catching victory at home to Yeovil six days prior…
Stevenage enter the contest just three points outside the Play-Off places and Dino Maamria hopes to continue in the same vein as last week.
“There were loads of positives last week. If you compare it to the Forest Green game, it is miles apart. I think we played on the front foot, created a lot of good football and we were a goal threat. That is not a one-nil game, it is a three or four-nil game but their keeper made some great saves and we take the one-nil and move on.”
One of the biggest positives was the debuts of Ilias Chair and Jordan Gibson, both of whom played big parts in the victory.
“We have done well to get Ilias Chair. QPR trust us with him. He has been playing in their First Team and he has got something that we have been lacking so far this season – that creativity, that goal threat from midfield, that work ethic, energy.
"He is very, very good and he is the type of player that we are trying to bring to the football club. It was a very good performance and he played a big part in the win. So did Jorden Gibson as well when he came on. He is a hard-working boy and what he does is cross the ball. As a centre forward, and Alex Revell will tell you, he loves playing with wide players that he knows will cross the ball.”
Tranmere come into the game on a three game losing streak and although Maamria hopes to capitalise on any lingering negativity that may be in the air, he knows that it will be another difficult game away from home.
“They are going through a bad spell at the moment and hopefully we will capitalise on that.
“Having said that, Tranmere’s record at home is very, very good. I went to watch them on Tuesday night against Northampton and they lost 2-1 although they were unfortunate to lose. They totally dominated the game and they have got threat especially in the forward area.
“It is going to be a tough game and I am sure they will be looking to bounce back. Micky Mellon is a good manager and he knows the level well. They have been doing well in the league to be fair. They are still up there – five points behind us so they will try and catch-us up.
“They have got the best centre-forward in the league and they are decent at home, so we have got to make sure we replicate that performance against Morecambe, where we came there and got on the ball, dominated possession and played good football.”
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