Manager Steve Evans discusses the weekend’s result, previews Wycombe on Saturday and examines Boro’s play-off push…
Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Pride Park was a tough one to take after the team’s performance was scuppered by a late goal.
“We made the clear-cut chances but in fairness their goalkeeper produced some excellent saves”, said Steve Evans.
“We had a clear penalty not given and it’s interesting again that the PGMOL agree, but I am sad to say that this is normal for us now given the refereeing decisions in recent weeks. It cannot get any clearer than Saturday, but we need to find an inner resolve to accept those atrocious decisions and move on”.
With 14 games left to play in League One, Stevenage sit in seventh just one place off the play-offs with a game in hand.
“We were favourites for relegation last season, and again this season, so in many ways we are proving everyone wrong. It takes a lot of individuals to achieve what would be a monstrous achievement.
“My staff and players deserve all the praise they will get if we can do it. The Chairman, Board of Directors and Leon Hunter play a huge part as does everyone in the football club.
“The Academy, our Women’s team, the Foundation and club staff are a real credit, and I cannot thank each of them enough. The supporters, the people of Stevenage, plus those in the surrounding villages and towns also deserve great credit, the lifeblood of any football club.
“We win together, lose together and every week we learn something - that is very important.
Stevenage will have played seven games in League One come the end of February, and Steve Evans highlights the importance of ending the month on a high.
“Everyone should look back at my words this time last year. I said that when we leave Rochdale on March 4th, if we are in the top-three, we will get automatic promotion. I was proved right.
“This season, we need to be right in the mix for a playoff spot when we leave Lincoln on March 2nd. If we are, I believe we will win a playoff spot.
“Let me say now, if we get that playoff place, then we will win promotion. There are some great clubs, giants in the game that we will have to deal with. We respect every one of those teams, but equally we fear none.
Next for Steve Evans’ men are Wycombe Wanderers at The Lamex on Saturday.
“They are a real tough opposition who are in really good form”, stated the Gaffer. “They totally dominated Oxford United on Saturday and that demonstrates that they are a very decent team.
“We have a lot of work to do this week and again the lads will work hard to prepare. We have a few lads struggling with knocks, but we have a great squad to select from”.
We need our supporters now more than ever.
“Championship football is a dream for our football club, as it was for Rotherham United when I joined them in 2012.
“There are similarities written all over it. Bottom of League Two to the Championship by two back-to-back promotions. We have a real togetherness and spirit, always underwritten by Phil Wallace of course.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s go to work and see what we can do. Proving them all wrong is something we want”.
Match tickets for Stevenage’s next five at The Lamex, beginning with Wycombe on Saturday, are on sale now at borotickets.co.uk.
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