Steve Evans: In-form Stevenage are the 'little bad apple' of League One

Jamie Reid, who joined Stevenage from Mansfield in 2021, scored the winner at Lincoln

Stevenage manager Steve Evans believes his team are the "little bad apple" that no-one else wants near the top of League One.

Boro achieved a third successive league win by beating Lincoln 1-0 to boost their hopes of back-to-back promotions.

It lifted them up to fourth in the table and they are only four points behind leaders Portsmouth.

"Three years ago, people thought we'd be in the National League," Evans told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"We are that little bad apple in the barrel, no-one in the EFL wants us to be in that top group, do they?

"There is only the town of Stevenage, myself, the board and the players, everyone connected with the football club that want us in that top group because we are fighting for something.

"We just have to keep working hard, keep principled, keep humble and take it forward to a real tough game to go up and face Lee Johnson's Fleetwood next Saturday."

Evans was concerned that it took his side until the second half to get into their stride.

"We were like Lewis Hamilton trying to win a Grand Prix at the moment, we were nowhere in the first half," the Scot said.

"It didn't stop them working so hard but it's a really good Lincoln side, I think everyone was surprised when they decided to change manager but Michael (Skubala) has come in and they gave us a few problems in the first half.

"I knew what we had to do at half-time and, if we're all being frank, we should have won the second half five zero."

Jamie Reid's 11th league goal of the season was enough to overcome Lincoln and made him the joint second highest scorer in the division, one behind Charlton's Alfie May.

Reid has five in the past five games in all competitions, but had other chances to further add to his tally, including a one-on-one with Imps goalkeeper Lukas Jensen.

"I thought the keeper did well, he came out quick. I thought the chip was on but it came off his shoulder," said Reid.

Of his scrambled effort for the goal, he said: "It's not one I'm going to remember for a lifetime, but if they fall to me in the box, I'll put them away. I don't think anyone's too bothered about how it's gone in, but it's gone in and we've got the three points.

"I think this is the first time in Stevenage kit where I've played week in, week out and I've been able to get a run going. I've got a good return so far and long may it continue."

Reid believes Boro have the character to sustain a promotion challenge into the second half of the campaign.

"It's the same DNA as last year, just with different personnel. We'll keep going to the end," he added.