Match-winner Alex Revell reflects on starting 2019 in the best possible way…
The 1-0 victory over Newport County keeps Stevenage in contention for the play-offs and Revell says it was a must-win game.
“It was a big game for us after losing against Crewe, and our last home game against Mansfield. We knew we had to come in today and get the win, to bounce back and keep in that hunt for the top six. It was a difficult game, I think they came to make it difficult. It was frustrating at time.
“It is great to get the win as a team, to go into a derby on Saturday which we need to win as well.”
Kurtis Guthrie was unjustly dismissed just before half-time, meaning Dino Maamria’s men had to put in an extra shift to earn all three points.
Despite the man disadvantage, Revell says that he and his teammates deserved the win.
“This league is tough and physical, you have to do both sides of the game. Today, we managed to grind a result out.
“You look at teams like Lincoln, they came here and ground a result out. Sometimes you have to do that in this league, and they are the people that end up in the top six. The people that on a bad day, can just keep going and get a result. That was us today.
“The lads are working so hard, they worked very hard today being down to ten men. I felt like we deserved the win.
"The thing we have to do now is see if we can go and win two on the bounce. That is the next target.
“It is always great to win the game, but we need to then get on a nice run. If we can go and win on Saturday, all of a sudden, we might be looking in that top six which is where we want to be. We have to keep pushing.”
After coming on just on the hour mark, Revell knew he was brought on to make an impact after being rested for the last few games.
“I focused on what I wanted to do and what I needed to do. The gaffer obviously said go and do your stuff. It has been hard recently, but hopefully that is personal reward for hard work and belief.
“Scoring goals is what I am supposed to do. It has been a long time, it has been frustrating at times. You have to believe in yourself and make every second count. That is because you do not know when it is going to be your last. That is the way I have to be."
Alex Revell’s goal was his first in twenty games, a rare run for a striker of such calibre and Boro's #9 spoke candidly about his struggles.
“As a centre forward, you are always going to be judged on goals. For me personally, I do other stuff and that is the way I play. I look back at how many times I have had chances that I have missed.
“The Port Vale game was a big disappointment for me, because it was a big chance to go and get the three points. I look back at that, and ten and out of ten times I would score. For some reason, I did not.
“After that, you have to try and regroup, sometimes it takes time. Also, I have never been 35 before. I do not know how my body reacts from games, but I feel great. Coming out of the team, it has given me focus to concentrate now, look at my body and get back together again for the rest of the season.
“It has been frustrating, I think everyone knows that. As a centre forward, you are always going to be disappointed if you do not score. I am delighted today, all my family were here today and they are the ones who keep you pushing, keep you going. It was great for them to see.”
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