Despite Stevenage’s injury and suspension problems, boss Graham Westley is refusing to make excuses for his side’s stuttering start to the League 2 season.

Boro have yet to put two positive results together, and are sitting in 14th position in the standings, with 10 points from their opening eight league games.

After bringing in several new recruits over a busy summer at the Lamex, consistency in his starting 11 as well as the results has been problematic.

Speaking to the Comet, Westley said: “It’s been difficult, obviously Harry’s [Worley] had his operation now, Ryan’s [Johnson] suspended, Jerome’s [Okimo] been out for a while, Simon [Walton] similarly, [Andy] Bond’s going to be missing, Dean Parrett is obviously still recovering from long term [injury], Calvin [Zola] has again fallen foul of his hamstring.

“There’s been a lot of senior players with a lot of league games sitting on the sidelines which hasn’t been easy, but it’s being really positive for a lot of the younger players.

“It’s terrific that a lot of the young lads are getting the experience.

“[But] What fans don’t want is excuses; what fans do want is performances and results. We’re a football club in the main that has always had its feet on the ground.

“We know it’s not going to be an easy job for Stevenage to succeed and prosper in the Football League and we know to over achieve you’ve got to get a lot right and we’re on the road to that.

“I think the mass of Stevenage fans are quite sensible and intelligent and they understand what the building process looks like; they understand that it takes time for players to grow. They’ve watched it happen before at their football club.”

Boro travel to take on Oxford United this Saturday, and for a look ahead to the League 2 clash, see the website tomorrow.