Ahead of Tuesday night’s trip to Portsmouth in the Papa John’s Trophy Round of 16, we catch up with boss Steve Evans…
Stevenage were held to a goalless draw at the weekend by a stern Mansfield Town team – the first time we have been shutout at home this season.
“I have taken the opportunity to watch the game back”, said Evans. “It was certainly a case of two teams cancelling each other out. We had a golden chance to win the game late, but it wasn't to be.
We never got anywhere near how we can and do play but the players, staff and myself all knew it. Every team has the right to set up in any way their manager wants them to, but we have found for the last month or even longer that our opponents are doing things differently against us.
Mansfield are a decent team with excellent players and a good manager. They will be certain promotion contenders, so we take the point and know we need to be much improved going forward”.
As for the snow and icy weather conditions over the weekend, the squad have had to do things a little different over the last few days.
“Training has been really difficult”, admitted the gaffer. “We had to be indoors on Friday and today (Monday) was a non-starter due to the weather and road conditions. However, we have a no excuse policy, so we move on”.
Next up for Steve Evans’ men, a trip to the south coast in the Papa John’s Trophy.
“Portsmouth is a brilliant football club, known throughout the world and that is down to their brilliant support. Fratton Park is one of those iconic stadiums and we look forward to the game.
Our next three games are all tough in their own right, but we will utilise the squad over those matches in a way we see fit. We will start by making multiple changes tomorrow (Tuesday). We have a squad here and not a favoured eleven”.
Match tickets are available for tomorrow night’s game from www.borotickets.co.uk for collection at Fratton Park.
Supporters can also stream the game live with an iFollow Video Match Pass for just £10.
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