Boro boss says thrashing of Yeovil Town on Saturday has re-ignited play-off push

Stevenage manager Gary Smith says play-off rivals Carlisle United will not relish their trip to the Lamex tomorrow (Tuesday) evening after Boro put six goals past Yeovil Town at the weekend.

The 6-0 win at Huish Park was Stevenage’s biggest win of the season so far, and coupled with Carlisle’s home defeat to Charlton Athletic on Saturday Smith says the victory has re-ignited his team’s play-off hopes.

“I thought the guys showed a real passion and intensity about them that I saw on Monday (against Preston North End) that really shone through in the opening exchanges,” Smith said.

“There was a feeling in the changing room that if we could get a result, get a win and add three points to the board that giving the scheduling in the league it might just revive our hopes for that sixth spot and I think it probably has.

“[It is a] big week, a very, very big week. We’ve got Carlisle who I’m sure won’t be relishing coming to our place after being beaten at home then Brentford who are well and truly in the chase and challenging for the top six so it’s going to be an exciting week, it’s one we’ll relish now.

“The guys will be confident, they’ll probably…feel pretty good about themselves and look forward to a couple of really big games that could be the making of the season.”

Smith also reserved praise for loan pair Jamaal Lascelles and Patrick Agyemang, both of whom scored their first goals for the club in the 6-0 win.

“I thought Jamaal’s ball into Craig Reid on the edge of the box [for the opening goal] was pin-point and it set the tone for that little bit of link play.

“Jamaal’s ball for that second goal into Pat [for the second] was good and I’m extremely pleased for Pat to get off the mark. He looked really bright. The last two or three games he’s looked a lot sharper.

“Before today he could probably count himself a little unlucky that he’s not got off the mark before now. And then Jamaal scores in the second period, so what a terrific full debut for the lad.”