Dino Maamria urges caution after Stevenage let two-goal lead slip

Posted Sunday, August 05, 2018 by PA

Slow and steady wins the race for Dino Maamria, who would prefer it if his Stevenage side provided a few less white-knuckle thrill rides this season.

Maamria’s men were forced to make do with a share of the spoils at Broadhall Way as, after going 2-0 in front thanks to goals from James Ball and Joel Byrom, they came up against a Tranmere fightback.

James Norwood scored either side of half-time as newly-promoted Rovers rescued a 2-2 draw, with Stevenage also ending the game with 10 men after Johnny Hunt picked up two bookings.

Manager Maamria is calling for a little more caution.

“It’s a point that gets us going this season and we have to remember this is a race, and what’s important is that we move on from this and go and win that race,” said the Boro boss.

“It was an entertaining game – probably too entertaining for my liking because I like watching us go forward but not so much defending.

“I don’t want to concede two goals at home and that’s a side of the game we have to work on.

“They have some decent front players and an experienced team, and they have just been promoted, so they know how to win and they have a resilience about them.

“We didn’t start well and I think that’s because we have nine new players, so there is a lot of hesitation and I expect that. I have been involved in football long enough to know that this is a marathon and not a sprint.

“The point today will get us started and it’s against a newly-promoted team, and now we kick on and try and improve going forward.”

Tranmere chief Micky Mellon was enthused by the character displayed by his troops as they battled back to earn a hard-fought point on their return to the EFL.

“It was a really hot day and the first game of the season, and when you consider we were 2-0 down at one point, to get back into the game; we’re pleased with a valuable point,” said Mellon.

“I’ll always be honest and when I don’t think the team was at it I’ll say so, but we started really well and had control.

“We’ve got a lot to work on and improve on, though, and we know that.

“We need to take our chances when they come and we’ll work on that too, but we have scored two goals at a difficult place, so I’m pleased.

“I’m pleased with the group. The guys have played some really good football and fought our corner and for our supporters, who were magnificent.”