GARY SMITH says he is desperate for his Stevenage team to score the first goal against Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon.

Smith made more than 60 appearances for the Chairboys in the early nineties, and later became a coach at the club between 2004 and 2005.

Boro have fallen behind to early goals in their last two games against Walsall and Bournemouth, and had to battle their way back to earn a draw on both occasions. And while both were credible accomplishments, it’s not hard to sense the manager’s frustration that neither results yielded three points.

A win against Gary Waddock’s men would move Boro back into the top six if Carlisle United lose at home to Huddersfield.

“It’s been long time since I’ve been part of the Wycombe organisation as a player or a coach,” said Smith. “Gary [Waddock] has done a terrific job to bring in a number of players who have turned their fortunes around.

“They’ve been scoring goals with some nice freedom in the last month. They’ve also been on the receiving end but I suspect that’s because one or two of those guys have lacked a little bit of continuity and understanding together.

“But what you do know is they will play some good football – not too dissimilar to Bournemouth – but we’ll be doing our damndest to make sure that not only do we stay in the game, but to try and get that elusive first goal. I really think that elusive first goal could be the tipping point in the way we perform and the results that follow.”