AFC Stamford welcome League one side Stevenage to the Zeeco Stadium on Saturday.

While Steve Evans side warmed up for the weekend clash with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over near neighbours Hitchin Town on Tuesday, Stamford lost heavily to Peterborough.

Graham Drury's side were sunk 7-1 by a goal spree from Darren Ferguson's team, who ran out comfortable winners in Stamford's first pre-season friendly of the new campaign last Saturday.

However, canny Evans - who lives near the Southern League Premier Division Central side - is gearing up for a tough test at the Zeeco.

Speaking to Nub News after Boro beat Mark Burke's Canaries at Top Field, Evans paid respect to his weekend opponents.

"Yes, they took a bit of a beating against Peterborough," Evans conceded, "but in fairness to Graham I understand half their squad were still away - but it's just our luck that they'll be back against us on Saturday.

"We'll be looking forward to the match. It's only ten minutes from my home and I have a great affinity with that football club.

"We look forward to playing them on Saturday."

One aspect of Stevenage's post-match activity following the victory at Hitchin was the fact that Evans and his chairman Phil Wallace were engaged in a deep conversation in the stands after the match at Top Field.

Two first half goals from Jamie Reid along with a late third from Jake Forster-Caskey ensured victory in the North Herts derby, yet it was the public chat (below) between highly-rated Evans and the owner of the club that also caught the eye.

Stevenage boss Steve Evans and chairman Phil Wallace hold an impromptu chat after the 3-0 win at Top Field. CREDIT: @laythy29

Evans joked about the impromptu meeting saying: "We were simply talking about awarding me a ten year contract," before confirming the conversation was about "players - as the chairman wants me to add to the group. And I keep saying to him, we want the right players, we don't want the wrong players.

"I have to say it's been a breath of fresh air - to what I've been used to - when you get the chairman's honesty and integrity - and his money of course.

"We have been exploring the possibility of new players but you can't sign every new player you look at. We only add to the group when we add to something we've got here.

"Long gone are the days when Stevenage was the home for 'stocking fillers at Christmas'."

Evans, who is looking fit and tanned and raring to go for another new season, following a short break in Dubai, added with a smile: "I've had eight days off - while the rest of my staff had eight weeks."

New season, same old charismatic Evans. But woe betide any side in League One believing they can underestimate newly-promoted Stevenage.

AFC Stamford vs Stevenage at the Zeeco Stadium

Saturday (July 15)

Kick off 2pm

Admission Prices: Adults: £8, Concessions: £5, 12-18 years olds: £3, Under 12's £1