Stevenage boss Alex Revell has issued a rallying cry ahead of Wednesday's high-stakes League One play-off semi-final second leg, urging his side to "play with courage" as they look to overturn a one-goal deficit against Stockport County.
The first leg on Saturday seemed destined for a goalless stalemate until a late defensive lapse allowed Ben Osborn to snatch a dramatic added-time winner for County. Now, with Stockport holding home advantage for the return fixture, Revell knows his team must dig deep.
"The manual goes out the window," Revell told BBC Three Counties Radio. "We've got to show people who we are, and play with courage. We've got one last chance to get into what would be the biggest game in our history – we know that, and we'll be doing everything we can to get there."
Despite trailing, Revell believes the situation offers clarity. "This group deals really well with adversity, really well with knowing what they have to do," he explained. "A draw is that unknown – do you go attacking, do you defend? For us, we know we've got to win the game. We've got a game plan to go and do that, and if we play to our best, full of energy and the aggression and intent we've had all season, then we give ourselves the best chance."
The stakes couldn't be higher. Stevenage have never played in the Championship since joining the English Football League 16 years ago, and a Wembley final against either Bradford City or Bolton Wanderers awaits the winner. The prospect of a 360-mile round trip to Stockport doesn't faze them either – they won 3-1 there back in December.
"You don't need to go over a ploughed field," Revell added with a smile. "We have meetings with individuals about little things we could have done slightly better. We know the goal was a mistake, but before that, it was two teams competing to try and get the best out of the game. For us now, we move on, talk to people about how we could do better, and look forward to Wednesday."
As Stevenage prepare to go "above and beyond," one thing is clear: this squad is ready to leave everything on the pitch for a shot at glory.