Manager Steve Evans looks back on Good Friday’s draw with Bolton Wanderers and ahead to Easter Monday’s clash in the capital…
The Gaffer commended the team’s performance on Friday, which had everything apart from the clinicality to secure all three points.
“The lads put in a really good performance against a top Bolton team”, said the boss. “We dominated for long spells and missed a few big clear chances but there is lots to build on for sure”
It’s a quick turnaround as Boro’ travel to The Valley on Easter Monday, where manager Nathan Jones has transformed his side since joining in February.
“Nathan is a good manager, competitive in everything he does so I did expect to see an improvement given the quality of player he has to choose from”.
Stevenage find themselves just one point outside the play-off spaces with six games to go.
“We are the one team competing for a play-off spot that absolutely no one outside of Stevenage expected. We love the challenge. The lads deserve to be in the mix. In reality, it’s six games but there will be many twists and turns”.
The Gaffer made an unexpected eight changes to his eleven on Friday, and will continue to use his full squad in the run-in.
“Freshness plays a key part over a season for all the players, that is physically and mentally. We are in great place and the squad togetherness is fantastic. We will be giving this monumental task everything we have”.
Over a thousand Stevenage supporters are expected at The Valley on Monday, and in addition to over 6,000 at The Lamex on Friday, the support has been excellent at getting behind the players.
“Our supporters have been brilliant all season. From Carlisle last weekend to Bolton here on Friday. I always want us to make sure we give our supporters everything and more. They will enjoy going to the Valley, it’s a great place for football”.
Dan Sweeney and Jake Forster-Caskey missed out on Good Friday’s draw for differing reasons, but Steve Evans will have captain Carl Piergianni available for selection once again.
“Forster-Caskey will be missing with a knee problem and I will talk with Sweens later today before I finalise my squad. Both are big players for us, important members of the team.
“Any team would miss Carl. He is a leader, a warrior and, subject to training okay today, he will lead us out at The Valley. I love the lad, more importantly I respect him greatly”.
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