Alex boss says Gary Smith is implementing his own ideas...

Steve Davis expects another difficult encounter against Gary Smith’s Stevenage side tomorrow afternoon. The Alex were leading 2-0 at Stevenage earlier in the season but could have lost it after Chuks Aneke was sent-off with 20 minutes remaining. Stevenage fought back to level and had a late ‘winner’ chalked off for offside.

Davis says his players will have to match Stevenage’s work ethic, physical approach to the game and counter their threat from set-plays if we are going to continue on our consistent run.

Ahead of this weekend’s home encounter with Boro, Steve said: “Stevenage are always a tough opponent. They work hard for each other, get bodies behind the ball and are a threat on the counter-attacks and at set-plays.

“Gary (Smith) has come in and tried to change the philosophy there. They have this image from when Graham Westley was there, but they have a good squad and have skilful and creative players. They are a good side and are still very resilient.

“Their away form has been very good and they have beaten some good sides, so we are wary of their threat. They will be organised and will play to their strengthens, but like all teams they will have their weaknesses as well and we will try and exploit them.

Steve added: “We are in good form and they have had their blip over the last month or so. That can happen at this level because all the games are difficult and you have to earn every point.”