Defence share credit for clean sheet, says Jamie Stephens

The Exiles overcame a physical Stevenage side with goals from Aaron O’Connor, who was later sent off, and Darren Jones before they lost Andrew Hughes to injury.

Stephens has started the last two games following the end of Joe Day’s 93-day loan from Peterborough and earned his first clean sheet in the Football League on Saturday.

He was rarely troubled in a blood and thunder encounter but was up to the test when called upon, tipping over a dipping Charlie Lee volley in the first half.

The defence dealt with the aerial threat well leaving Stephens will little else to do.

“I’ve got some strong players in front of me and that helps when I do have to come for things,” said the 21-year-old, who is currently keeping Lenny Pidgeley out of the side.

“They put a lot of balls in the box but we showed our quality.

“I think the lads were brilliant again and it’s nice for me to get my first league clean sheet for the club.”

Despite his clean sheet Stephens was quick to heap praise on the rest of the squad.

“I’ve only just come in to the team recently so the lads deserve all the credit,” he said.

Victory pushed County up to fourth, three points below an automatic promotion spot.

Stephens is now expected to start in the big clash with fourth-placed Luton Town at Kenilworth Road and the shot-stopper is looking forward to the game.

“The run we’re on is brilliant,” he added. “The gaffer’s told us to have the belief in ourselves and keep going.

“Luton are doing well but again it’s another tough test and hopefully we can get another three points.”

The only dampener, on an otherwise perfect afternoon, was the red card for official man of the match O’Connor.

“For me I don’t think it’s a red card but I’m a long way away from it,” said Stephens.

“I think the referee played to the crowd a little bit. Azza deserved his man of the match, he was class again.”