Stevenage manager happy with display in FA Cup win over Stourbridge

Graham Westley said his players put in a ‘tremendous performance’ to overcome a dogged Stourbridge side in Saturday’s FA Cup tie.

Two goals from Chris Beardsley and a late Robin Shroot strike helped Boro to a 3-0 win over their Evo-Stik Southern Premier opponents, and afterwards Westley said his side played well against a tough opponent on a difficult surface.

“We expected that we would have to work very hard. They’re a club that’s on the up themselves, they’ve got momentum, they’ve brought in a big crowd this afternoon,” Westley said.

“It’s a very difficult surface, a tough place to come. We knew we’d have to prepare and be right to get the right result and the boys put in a tremendous performance.

“The lads, 18 months ago, became champions of non-league and you’re not able to do that if you’re not able to come into difficult places and win games against well organised and professional sides at a lower level. They’re familiar with what it takes and they were ready for the job.”