STEVENAGE caretaker boss Robbie O’Keefe admits his side's style of play was boring to watch against Colchester United at times - but was delighted to see them register a 1-0 victory.

The U's bossed the possession with 61 per cent at the Lamex Stadium and had a total of 14 shots, to their hosts' six.

But Elliott List's penalty on the stroke of half-time proved enough to give managerless Stevenage their first win in seven League Two matches, much to the delight of O'Keefe.

O'Keefe said: “I wouldn’t say it’s how I like to play.

“I think it was a case of working out the game and working out where we were after Tuesday night (against MK Dons) and we went with a low block.

“It’s not how I really want to play if I’m being absolutely honest but it was a case of working out a way to win the game.

"The boys were struggling physically to be fair so we set up to defend deeper.

"We were happy for them to have the ball; it was frustrating for those that watched.

"If I was watching, I'd be frustrated with it.

"It's boring to a degree, if I'm being absolutely honest but it was a case of needs must and trying to win a game of football.

"We were happy for them to have the ball in wide areas where we could get double ups.

"And if I'm honest, with all of the pressure they had they didn't really look in my eyes like they were going to break us down, apart from the one that was ruled out for offside."

Gazette:

Stevenage's winner came after List had been adjudged to have been fouled just inside the area by Colchester keeper Shamal George by referee Trevor Kettle.

The Rutland official decided List had been fouled inside the box and pointed to the spot, allowed List to step up and score.

“I thought it was a penalty and I also thought it showed an awful lot of bravery from the players in the build-up to the goal as well," said O'Keefe.

“It would have been easy just to hook it on but we brought it down and played it into a pocket in behind the press which we’d identified earlier in the week and then the through ball to Listy.

“In those situations, there’s only ever going to be a penalty or a goal in my eyes and his pace got him there, with him brought down for the penalty."

O'Keefe has now won both of his matches as Stevenage's caretaker manager, having taken temporary charge following Alex Revell's departure.

He also guided them to a commendable 2-1 FA Cup win over MK Dons, last week. O'Keefe added: "I'm just glad I can step in and help out.

"It's been great doing that and until the club make the right decision, I'll be happy to keep on doing it.

"It's easy when you have a group of players who work as hard as they do.

"And it's easy when you have good staff behind it as well.

"The backroom staff do an awful lot and do a massive amount behind the scenes.

"It's a real team effort and there's a lot that goes on that people don't see."