Dino Maamria: Stevenage were different class against Barnet

Posted Tuesday, April 03, 2018 by PA

Dino Maamria was delighted to secure his first win as Stevenage boss after beating local rivals Barnet 4-1 in Sky Bet League Two.

Former Boro striker Maamria, who replaced Darren Sarll as manager two weeks ago, saw braces from Danny Newton and Alex Revell see off the relegation-threatened Bees at Broadhall Way.

The Tunisian was pleased with the response of his players after suffering defeat to Colchester in his first game in charge and then being held to a goalless draw by Grimsby on Good Friday.

“It was brilliant; a good reaction to our performance versus Colchester here a week ago,” said Maamria.

“It was important for us to win as I know how much the game meant to the fans, being a local derby.

“We had to put everything we’ve got into the game and I thought we thoroughly deserved it.

“The forwards worked their socks off to get the goals but, as a team, we were different class in and out of possession.

“I’d have liked six points over Easter but I will take four.

“We had a tough away game at Grimsby, although I wanted a clean sheet, too.”

Newton headed in his 14th goal of the season on the stroke of half-time and then volleyed in off a post just past the hour mark before Revell’s drive made it 3-0.

Shaquile Coulthirst scored a fine solo consolation for the Bees, beating Tom King with a powerful shot into the bottom corner, before Newton teed up Revell for Boro’s fourth three minutes from time.

Defeat for bottom club Barnet keeps them five points adrift of safety.

Bees manager Martin Allen was perturbed by his team’s display and feels his players have plenty to learn.

“I knew that from our last six games that we needed to win four and draw one. We could take one defeat – and he we are,” he said.

“We started very well – for the first half an hour, we played well.

“I’m bitterly disappointed. I asked the players to give everything they’ve got until the bitter end but I don’t think we got that in the second half.

“People were doing what they wanted to do. We’ve got to get back on the training pitch and in the classroom to show them what they can do better.

“I think the supporters will keep going until the very end. I won’t quit.”