Smith expected Bury reaction

Smith: Anticipated a tough test

Stevenage boss Gary Smith admitted he had expected bottom club Bury to be fired up after Kevin Blackwell's appointment.

The Shakers took the lead courtesy of Tom Hopper's deft header but Boro turned things around thanks to Marcus Haber and Greg Tansey, only for Mark Cullen to force a 2-2 draw late on for the visitors, who were managed by Blackwell for the first time.

"This afternoon was exactly what I expected," Smith said. "A new manager always inspires the group. They got a fortuitous start with the first goal and it gave them something to grasp on to. But once we got ourselves into the lead I thought we might just see this one out, sadly it was not to be.

"We've gone behind far too many times, especially here, and I can't quite put my finger on why.

"The second goal was a fabulous strike from Greg Tansey and I honestly thought given our position and the confidence in the group we'd have enough to see out another victory.

"But in many respects this group are still trying to find their feet. There were too many occasions here where we looked fragmented and unsure of ourselves."