Stevenage captain returns to the club where he started his career

STEVENAGE captain Mark Roberts says his team-mates are working hard to put an end to their winless run.

Boro travel to Crewe Alexandra tomorrow (Saturday) on the back of a six-match run without a win, and speaking to The Comet Roberts said he has seen improvements in the last two games and hopes Boro can get back to winning ways against the club where he began his career.

“The gaffer was pleased with our overall performance (in the 0-0 draw with Oxford United) on Tuesday,” Roberts said.

“Obviously we were disappointed not to pick up three points but we felt we controlled the majority of the game.

“I think since the Bury game (which Boro lost 3-0 two weeks ago), when we all came away disappointed, we’ve had a good look at ourselves and both performances since then have been encouraging.

“We’ve worked hard at the training ground, we work hard no matter whether we win, lose or draw, but we’re used to winning and we’ll just try to remain as confident as we can.”

Roberts’ team-mate Joel Byrom made his comeback from five months out against Shrewsbury last Saturday, while fellow midfielder Darren Murphy is also on the road to recovery following a leg break in September and has made two reserve team appearances in the last fortnight.

Speaking about the pair, Roberts said: “I thought Joel did well (against Shrewsbury).

“He’s been very unfortunate with injuries this season, and for him to come back I thought he and (Ronnie) Henry did well in midfield in place of Mous and Bozzie (John Mousinho and Michael Bostwick).

“It’s fantastic to have Murph back. He’s worked really hard. When you’re out of football for such a long time sometimes you have to get back off your own back and do a lot of work as an individual, but he’s managed it and has kept upbeat.

“He had another run-out midweek and I caught the end of the game and he looked good. He’s looked sharp in training, it’s just a case of getting in the minutes and building up match fitness but his general fitness looks good.”

Roberts said he hopes to receive a better reception from the Crewe fans than the one he received from the away contingent in the 1-1 draw at the Lamex last September when he was booed almost every time he touched the ball.

“I’m not sure what sort of reception there will be, but I’m hoping for a better one.

“Some people I know will be at the game and I know a lot of people from the Crewe area; it’s an area where my mum and dad grew up.

“Hopefully there will be a few friendly faces in the crowd.”