New Stevenage manager Alex Revell feels an opening-day 1-0 win over Shrewsbury can be the start of something promising.
Elliott List scored the only goal at the Lamex Stadium, firing home after 58 minutes with a firm drive which flew across Toby Savin in the Shrewsbury goal.
They could have made it two but Dan Kemp’s penalty, after he had been fouled, was put wide.
However, Revell was content with what he saw.
He said: “It was very pleasing and I think apart from the first 15 minutes, where they caused us a few problems and should have probably scored, it’s a fantastic save from Murphy Cooper, but after that we really grew into the game and thoroughly deserved to win.
“It was a hard-working performance but there were also moments of real quality.
“It’s the first game so there were nerves and we were at home and obviously wanted to put in a performance for everybody.
“The good thing is we’re creating chances, were getting runners going forward and getting people on the ball.
“I thought there were some outstanding performances within the team and we deserved [to win by more] but it was a really good start for us.”
Revell also praised the match winner.
List has endured a nightmare two years, injuring his ligament on the opening day of the 2022/2023 campaign, a season where Stevenage were promoted from League Two, and then flitting in and out of the team last year.
Revell added: “[Elliott] has been fantastic through the whole of pre-season. He’s got so much to offer and he’s come back and he’s got a smile on his face. Long may that continue.
“It was an excellent goal and that’s what we’ve asked him for.
“We know he’s got a huge talent and everybody’s delighted for him.”
Shrewsbury had an early chance for Tom Bloxham and then there were two efforts from Mal Benning that were off target, although the second was not far away.
Boss Paul Hurst, though, felt his side could have been helped more by the officials.
“It was a scrappy game that resembled more of a rugby game at times,” he said.
“It amazes me how many wrestles and pulls of the shirts the referee doesn’t spot.
“We’re disappointed to lose and probably one goal was going to win it.
“They are a big threat from set-plays and I thought we defended them pretty well for large parts.”
Hurst also felt the penalty won by Kemp was another one that went against them unfairly.
He added: “On the image I’ve seen, I think he pokes it and then runs into him.
“It was soft but ultimately it wasn’t anything that decided the outcome.”
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