Stevenage boss gives verdict on his side's defeat to Portsmouth

The Blues needed penalties to defeat the League Two outfit and reach the second round of the Carabao Cup on Saturday.

However, Boro were understandably frustrated they let such a commanding lead slip at Broadhall Way.

Calamitous defending from Pompey meant the home side raced into a 2-0 lead after just 10 minutes.

While Ronan Curtis reduced the deficit, more horror work at the back allowed Scott Cuthbert to restore Stevenage's two-goal advantage.

Gareth Evans struck a penalty late in the first half before John Marquis’ superb 50th-minute strike got Kenny Jackett’s side back on level terms.

The Blues then won the shootout 3-1, with Craig MacGillivray – who replaced Alex Bass in goal at half-time – making three saves.

While Revell was disappointing Stevenage threw away their lead, he was pleased how his men matched a Pompey side that was almost promoted to the Championship last season.

He told The Comit: ‘It was a game of two halves for us. We asked the players to go out in the first half and show their intensity and we started really well to go 2-0 up.

‘The first goal was a real quality goal from us and shows the way we want to play and the way we want to work it.

‘The second was a bit scrappy but a really good start.

‘But the goal just before half-time took the wind out of us a little bit. If we had come in at 3-1 it could have been a different story.

‘We didn’t get going in the second half but we got through the game because they are a great group and they want to work hard for each other.

‘To lose on penalties is disappointing but there are some big positives and a few things we need to iron out.

‘We have to put it in context. This is a team that nearly got to the Championship last year.

‘It was really good game to start with because you need these types of game to see where you are at.

;The work we’ve done and the games we’ve had have all been learning curves and at times we played some good football.’