Boro skipper predicted both he and Luke Foster would score against Barnet

Stevenage skipper Mark Roberts said he had a feeling that both he and Luke Foster would hit the target against Barnet.

Foster opened the scoring on four minutes before Roberts headed home in the 46th to put his side 4-0 up, the second time he has scored against Barnet this season.

Speaking after the match the Boro captain praised his central defensive partner, saying: “Foz [Foster] played really well against Gillingham on Saturday and did really well today. I said to him before the game I fancy us both to score so it was nice to both get on the scoresheet. I must like playing against Barnet.

“Ash [Jon Ashton, who Foster replaced due to the former needing an operation on his thumb] has been outstanding all season and it’s credit to Foz that he’s kept himself on top of himself in training, he always trains well and you’ve seen from his performance he’s an excellent player.

“Some of our performances this season have been winning performances without getting results, like at Gillingham we dominated the game but were unfortunate not to come away with anything.

“It’s important to turn performances into wins and it’ll give the lads some confidence.”

Boro face Newcastle United on Saturday and without getting carried away Roberts said he hopes Andy Carroll will be fit enough to play so he can test himself against an England striker.

“When the draw was made we spoke about it and it’s a great draw for the club and everyone involved.

“Every player will want to play in the game, especially with it being on TV. The build-up starts from now; we’ll give a good account of ourselves and hopefully cause an upset.

“When you play a team from the Premiership you want to pit yourself against the best players in the country and Andy Carroll has shown he’s one of them.

“To mark an England striker is not an opportunity you get every day so hopefully he’ll be fit and I’ll give him a battle.

“You look through their whole team and there’s a list of internationals and it’s going to be a good experience.”