Smith praises Boro spirit

Smith: Proud after victory

Stevenage boss Gary Smith saluted the courage of his players after his first league game in charge ended in a 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday.

Stevenage boss Gary Smith saluted the courage of his players after his first league game in charge ended in a 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday.

Scott Laird scored following a corner just before half-time to put another dent in the Owls' automatic promotion bid.

"I always thought it was going to be tough, that's for sure. You don't come to a place like this and not have a tough night," said Smith, who replaced Graham Westley last month.

"We knew that we were going to have to stand firm at times and I thought my guys did a wonderful job of defending some very tough moments.

"Slowly but surely we got a foothold in the first half and we scored at a very, very good time. As we came in at half-time, it gave my players a lift and I'm sure it left the Sheffield Wednesday boys a tad deflated after they put a lot of effort in during the first-half.

"My lads showed tremendous courage and there were some great last-ditch challenges. A side with less resolve might have buckled and conceded. You've got to have some individuals with some substance."