Steve Evans says staying in touch with Leyton Orient is key to any future success for Stevenage.

The Boro boss takes his side to Grimsby Town on Saturday, just three points behind the League Two leaders, and knows that coming back with some reward is vital.

"The boys have been bright this week," he said. "We knew we weren’t at our best [against Hartlepool] but when you win, everyone has the extra step and extra bounce. 

"We try to keep them level win, lose or draw but it has been a good week on the training ground despite the Glasgow weather. 

"The one thing we all have to be careful of is that express called Leyton Orient doesn’t run away and become a Forest Green. 

"It is in danger of doing so too as there isn’t a fixture coming up where you expect them to be able to win. 

"It’s another weekend where we are trying to add a point or three but away from home in League Two is always really difficult, especially going to Blundell Park. 

"Paul Hurst will have his team meticulously organised and ready for us. 

"It’ll be a tough game to keep the gap close between us and Orient." 

He anticipates a difficult outing at Blundell Park, a venue he considers to be one of the more intimidating in the division.

And he is aware of the Mariners' desire to bounce back after a 3-1 loss at home to Doncaster Rovers last Saturday.

Evans said: "They’ve been in good form although they didn’t get the best result at home to Doncaster.

"But if you look at the stats, they dominated possession, were dominant with their chances and set-plays, but the boy [George] Miller had an inspired game for Doncaster and they found a way to win by taking chances on the counter. 

"Grimsby will be backed by good support and that always makes it a tough away game. 

"It is one of those grounds that you look at in League Two and think that is especially tough. 

"Paul does a great job and he has some good players, players who were attracting the interest of a lot of clubs in the summer. 

"Paul used his magic to get them to Grimsby but we have group of players who are looking forward to the game and then looking forward to a big week ahead. 

"We have to focus and concentrate on ourselves. If we play very well then we should come back with something."