Stevenage assistant manager pleased with players’ attitude

Dino Maamria says Tuesday night’s victory over London Colney in the Herts Senior Trophy gave some players the opportunity to impress ahead of three home matches in the space of eight days next week, writes Michael Edwards.

Boro were convincing winners over their SSML Premier Division opponents as goals from Bruno Andrade, Ryan Johnson, Roarie Deacon and Jordan Burrow saw them to a 4-0 win.

In addition to first-team squad members Andrade, Deacon and Burrow there were also places in the starting XI for Sam Wedgbury, Oumare Tounkara and recent arrival Dean Parrett.

Stevenage host Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Saturday before Leyton Orient visit in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday evening.

Then, on November 16, Boro are at home to Rotherham United in their next League 1 encounter, and speaking after Tuesday’s match, Maamria, who took joint charge of the game with Jason Goodliffe, said he was pleased with his players’ attitudes.

“The plan was to score in the first 15 minutes, which we did and we should have had two or three,” assistant manager Maamria told the Comet.

“It could have been difficult [if we didn’t] but we finished both halves strongly. The game was a chance for the first team players to shine, put 90 minutes under their belts and push for first team action and for the other lads to show what they can do.

“It was a good, professional performance; we asked for a lot of goals and a clean sheet and that’s what we got. This style of game can be difficult, especially for first team players, but I thought their attitude was great and they were first class.

“Some players played out of position and some have never played together, but overall we got a squad together that scored four goals and conceded none so it was a great performance.”