Taking Charge

Following falling two goals behind to the Boro, thanks to goals from Connor Ogilvie and Chris Whelpdale, Adams shuffled the deck at half-time, with loanees Craig Tanner and Oscar Threlkeld joining the fray. 

“We just had to change it around a bit and get us forward into better areas in the second half," said Derek.

“We managed to get a goal back, but we didn’t manage to do enough to get that second goal, even though we had chances. I said to them at half time that I could’ve made 11 substitutions. It was that kind of game.”

The changes had an immediate effect, as Tanner pulled a goal back nine minutes after the restart, but their resurgence tailed off in latter stages. The Pilgrims were unable to pull off the same come-from-behind heroics that were seen against AFC Wimbledon just four days previous, and Adams believes a more prolonged spell of dominance would have seen the Greens get something out of the game.

“In the second half we pushed Stevenage back,” said Derek, “and we might’ve got a draw from the game. We had to change something to try and get back in the game.

“We needed to keep going, because we had Stevenage on the rack for a good 15 to 20 minutes. If we were able to do that, we probably could’ve went on to win the game.

“We didn’t do it enough today, what we’ve done in previous weeks, and that was down to Stevenage as well."

Adams and his side will be looking to take that late resurgence at the Lamex Stadium into their upcoming games, including their newly-announced Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Second Round tie against arch rivals Exeter City – Derek’s first taste of the Devon Expressway Derby.

“I’m delighted it’s at home, and delighted that we’ll get a big crowd for the match,” said Adams. “It’ll be nice to see the first derby against Exeter. 

“I’m looking forward to it. You always look forward to a derby match, and this is no different.”