Stevenage continued their unbeaten start to pre-season with an impressive win against a strong Derby side at the Lamex on Tuesday, writes Owen Rodbard with photographs by Gregory Owain.

An Elliot List goal was the difference as Boro ran out 1-0 winners on a humid but rainy night, culminating in another pleasing victory for Steve Evans men. 

Here's three things we learned from the win over the fallen giants

1) Elliot List will be vital to Boro's hopes this season

Boro started the game on the front foot, constantly looking to play through the lines and into the feet of the ever-speedy List. 

Soon after kick off, brilliant control by List in the centre of the park led to the ball being spread out to Norris who took on his man and forced a save from Wildsmith in the Derby net. 

Boro's high press was causing the League One outfit some issues, and just before the water break, List produced an inch perfect cross to Norris who could only head wide under pressure from the Derby defenders. 

It was List again causing problems on the 30 minute mark. Twisting and turning his man inside the box before firing a shot low into the near post. A well-deserved lead after an impressive opening to the game. 

The frontman again found himself through on goal a few minutes later, forcing a smart save at his far post from Wildsmith. 

2) Bostwick is integral to Steve Evans' side

A couple of half chances came and went, Bostwick getting on the end of a cross before the half time whistle went. An encouraging half for Evans' men. The tenacious Boro man showed his worth in the heat of battle, relishing the dirty work - displaying the energy of someone ten years younger - and on the hottest day of the year to boot.

Six changes were made at half time, and it was newly introduced Jamie Reid who had the first flurry of chances of the half. Both were smartly stopped by Wildsmith at his near post. 

3) Reid is important

It was Reid again causing trouble when a looping ball over the Derby defence by Saxon Earley was collected by the frontman before he laid the ball off to the oncoming Danny Ross who could only blast straight at the keeper. A big season is required from Reid if Boro are to make progress in the upper reaches of League Two.

And while chances were few and far between before the final whistle, it was another strong performance from Reid - and Boro.

Evans will undoubtably be happy with another victory in the preparations leading up to the opening day of the season away at Tranmere.