Stevenage's players deserve all the credit for promotion to League One according to manager Steve Evans.

A 2-0 win at home to Grimsby Town saw Boro guaranteed a top three finish in League Two with a trip to Barrow still to come.

And the success at the Lamex Stadium mirrors the whole of the season according to the boss.

The Comet: Stevenage will be playing in League One next year. Picture: DAVID LOVEDAY/TGS PHOTOStevenage will be playing in League One next year. Picture: DAVID LOVEDAY/TGS PHOTO (Image: David Loveday/TGS Photo)

He said: "I spoke to the players before the game and said when you're 66-1 to win automatic promotion, distant outsiders, and then the strongest favourites for relegation in five years, it just shows every manager that you don't need the resources that some have got. 

"You have to judge it by your eyesight and judge it by your opinion and your values.

"The chairman and his wife and Leon and all the board have been fantastic. 

The Comet: Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace (left) with manager Steve Evans after Boro earned promotion. Picture: DAVID LOVEDAY/TGS PHOTOStevenage chairman Phil Wallace (left) with manager Steve Evans after Boro earned promotion. Picture: DAVID LOVEDAY/TGS PHOTO (Image: David Loveday/TGS Photo)

"But the players, they're the real heroes. A general sends his troops into battle and then stays in the big war building and looks at the screen. 

"The real heroes are the boys that have to get out on the pitch and do it in football terms and they've been fantastic all season. 

"They've been acclaimed and then they were written off but we never wrote them off. 

"We said if we stick to the plan and stick to the way we do things, it will come good. 

"And I'm delighted for them, everyone of them."

The Comet: Dan Sweeney went close with a first-half header. Picture: DAVID LOVEDAY/TGS PHOTODan Sweeney went close with a first-half header. Picture: DAVID LOVEDAY/TGS PHOTO (Image: David Loveday/TGS Photo)

The game itself saw two goals in 10 minutes, halfway through the second half decide the contest, Jamie Reid and Luther James-Wildin the men on target.

And it played out exactly as predicted by the boss.

Evans said: "I knew we would have to be patient and there were nerves involved. It was a very nervy and sketchy and edgy first half. 

"I'm disappointed the opening goal inside the first 60 seconds is not given because it looks onside but you have to endure that.

The Comet: Carl Piergianni speaks to Dan Sweeney. Picture: DAVID LOVEDAY/TGS PHOTOCarl Piergianni speaks to Dan Sweeney. Picture: DAVID LOVEDAY/TGS PHOTO (Image: David Loveday/TGS Photo)

"We changed it tactically at half-time and changed the shape of system and that's why the staff ran out from the bench when Reidy scored because the change created the chance to go and win the game. 

"And we were solid after that. Our goalkeeper has only saved one over 90 minutes.

"The boys were brilliant but the second half was total dominance."

The Comet: Jamie Reid runs away after putting Stevenage in front. Picture: DAVID LOVEDAY/TGS PHOTOJamie Reid runs away after putting Stevenage in front. Picture: DAVID LOVEDAY/TGS PHOTO (Image: David Loveday/TGS Photo)