Stevenage ‘are where they should be’, manager Alex Revell says

Stevenage moved into the top two of League One with a 2-1 win at home to Exeter – and it is where they should be, according to manager Alex Revell.

Harvey White’s free-kick put them ahead after five minutes, only to be pegged back by a Josh Magennis equaliser midway through the half.

However, a diving header with 10 minutes to go from Jordan Roberts means they sit clear of the chasing pack in second spot, one point behind leaders Bradford with a game in hand.

“It’s a great place to be after the start we’ve had, and we deserve to be there,” said Revell.

“The only thing that will stop us from kicking on is us.

“We have to make sure we keep doing what we’re doing, all the things that have got us to where we are. We have to keep doing them and keep getting better and better at those.

“If we do that, then results will take care of itself.

“This is a fantastic win. You’re not always going to get it your own way, but the players that came on made a difference – and the players that started were really positive.

“I think their results haven’t matched their performances. Exeter are a difficult team to play against, and especially to beat. They play a certain way that is difficult to play against, but when you do win the ball, you have to use it right.

“I thought our midfielders played forward, got it to our front players and did all the things we want to see from a team.”

Exeter have slipped to 16th with three wins in nine matches, and only one away from home.

Manager Gary Caldwell saw positives though. He said: “It’s a really difficult place to come, especially in the form they’re on, but we gave it a really good go.

“I thought to concede so early from a soft free-kick and then get back into the game the way we did in the first half, that showed tremendous character.

“They made a lot of changes in the second half, bringing on bigger, stronger players and they put us under pressure.

“We still created good moments and good chances. The way we built and played through them at times was very good, but we had to look after the ball better in the second half.

“We have to be braver in possession and not just turn the ball over against a team that are then going to put it back in your final third.

“Overall, in terms of away performances, this was far better and something to build on.

“The players gave everything and just fell on the wrong side of the defeat.”