A turbulent week in the life of Stevenage ended with caretaker manager Alex Revell full of smiles and a point away to Oxford United.

Boro saw manager Steve Evans depart for Rotherham United on Wednesday, a shock to many including the players and staff.

But Revell said the 1-1 draw at the Kassam Stadium, as well as the week itself, have shown the club and the team at their best.

"I didn't know how I'd feel to be honest," he said, "the last time was obviously tough at times, but I really enjoyed it, just because the lads showed exactly what we've had under the gaffer for the last two years - that spirit and that fight and that intensity to make sure we don't let them score. 

"Some of the defending at times, the blocks, were outstanding and we wanted to carry that one. 

"I know the gaffer was watching and he'll be proud of that as well. 

"The chairman has asked me to take it to the end of the season but I just wanted to get to here. I wanted to make sure that I was comfortable and I was. 

"When the gaffer left, he told me about bringing people in that you trust and luckily one of my best friends is a pro-licensed coach. 

"He dropped everything to help me which is what you need. I’ve learned that over the last two years. 

"People have come together over the last two days and it's shown what we are as a club. It’s shown that when something happens, we all just come together and knuckle down. 

"And we have delivered something. This is a really hard place to come and I'm really hoping that the fans have gone away proud of the team because I am." 

An own-goal had put Stevenage in front only for a second-half penalty to deny them all three points.

And Revell admitted the performance was a sheer delight for him.

He said: "To come here after the week we've had, losing someone of the magnitude we have, the way the lads performed in terms of their own professionalism was magnificent. 

"The only disappointment is the goal that cost us, it is a disappointing decision.  

"They obviously had other chances in the game, but we had moments and opportunities where we didn't do enough in the final third. 

"But it wasn't about that. It was about coming here, showing that we're organised and professional, and putting on a really good solid performance. 

"[We had a meeting on Thursday] and I'm not going to change anything because we've had absolute success for two years. It was just making sure that we were prepared for this challenge. 

"We did that. The lads were really good in training and took [everything] on board. 

"We just lacked a little bit of composure and probably [a little] belief in their own abilities. They are good players. 

"But we wanted to show everybody why we are where we are in the table. 

"Yes, we’ve had a disappointing slip and we're disappointed we're not to be in the play-offs, this was meant to be the game where we got in, that’s what we wanted. 

"But we should be really proud of the players."