Stevenage suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of Salford on Saturday - leaving boss Steve Evans frustrated.

A last minute Ryan Watson goal was enough for the home side to land three points at the weekend, as Boro dropped to fifth in the table, losing their unbeaten record in the process, as they fell to their first defeat of the season after Salford grabbed a 90th minute winner.

After the game Boro boss Steve Evans spoke to Nub News and said: "I think it was a shocking game. It's two good teams but there was no real quality on show. The only bit of quality was the goal. "

On the basis of play, he added: "I think a draw [would have been] a fair result. They had a lot of the ball but Taye [Ashby-Hammond] hasn't had to make a save apart from the one from 25 yards. 

"The reason we've not won today is because we turned up and didn't play well. We've scored a lot of late goals so we'll take the pain, it's a long season. 

"I need to choose my words carefully so Salford don't seem like Real Madrid. It's a great strike that deserves to win any game. 

"We have a massive chance, and if we score that then we win the game. I don't see any way back after that for them. You've got to hit the target when you're through one on one."

...............

RELATED STORY

Stevenage FC: Boro fan and Nub News Boro writer Owen Rodbard - Three things we've learnt from the season so far

.............

Saturday's defeat marred Stevenage's excellent start to the season, which included Evans' Boro beating high-flying Peterborough from League One 1-0 earlier last week to react the third round of the League Cup for the first time in the club's history when they will host Charlton at the Lamex - on the back of beating Championship Reading at their home ground in round one.

Reflecting on the 1-0 loss to Salford, Evans added: "I didn't feel comfortable that we were anywhere near the levels that we need to be at, but that can happen. 

"I'm not questioning the effort, desire and commitment. You can see the reaction when the referee blows his whistle." 

The charismatic Scot refused to comment on referee Darren Drysdale, saying: "I'm keeping away from blaming officials, but I don't think he was very good for us today. All we ask is that they turn up and be efficient in their performance."

When asked about a challenge on Jake Taylor in the penalty box which went unpunished he said: "I think it was a penalty, I think the boys also close to a red card but he doesn't get a card when he goes over the top on Dean Campbell. It doesn't take away the reason why Salford beat us today."

Follow Nub News Stevenage FC writer and fan Owen Rodbard on Twitter here

LIKE/FOLLOW HITCHIN NUB NEWS FACEBOOK PAGE FOR ALL THE LATEST STEVENAGE FC NEWS HERE