Stevenage captain Carl Piergianni admitted boss Steve Evans' half-time hairdryer treatment at Crewe gave his Boro team the boost it needed to move into second place in League Two.

Jamie Reid's second half double secured maximum points in a 2-1 victory on Saturday afternoon to cap an impressive turnaround, after Boro went into the break 1-0 down.

While keeper Taye Ashby-Hammond saved an early penalty to give Boro a lift at Gresty Road in front of 167travelling fans from North Herts in an official attendance of 3,669, boss Evans was left frustrated at his side's first half performance. 

To cap a miserable opening 45 minutes for the Lamex outfit, passionate Evans was booked by referee Tom Nield, for what appeared to be dissent after he appeared to be sarcastically clapping the official - despite Evans insisting he was simply encouraging his side.

Evans' dark mood was not helped by the fact Rod McDonald's goal saw Crewe head into the break at 1-0 up, prompting the tough Scot's fearsome outburst. 

Speaking to Nub News after the match, Piergiani conceded that Evans' half time eruption – said to be on par with anything the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson did during his long tenure at Manchester United – was the catalyst for Stevenage's impressive second half comeback. 

"It was needed. We knew it was coming when we walked down the tunnel at half time, as we simply weren't good enough during the opening 45 minutes, so we expected it.  

"You could see the reaction when we came out for the second half, so it was right that the gaffer did that at half time. 

"The gaffer gives us credit when we play well, so it was only right that when we put in a first half performance like that, he lets us know about it. 

Boro's captain agreed when asked if there was an increased bond between the players and the fans this season – as witnessed by the jubilant scenes between the away fans and the team when celebrating Reid's winner. 

"The fans supported us really well. They've come away with another long journey and thankfully we've put in that performance for them.

"They've been great when we've been at home and it's really great to have their support. They just want to see commitment and hard-work – they know we're not going to win every game but when they see the passion we have as a team out on the pitch it does create that bond. It's nice to treat them to a win like that."