Steve Evans hailed an excellent "controlled performance" for Stevenage as they ran out comfortable winners at Leyton Orient.

Boro ran out 3-0 winners at Brisbane Road and after one small scare early on, they were worthy winners.

But while there was huge praise for the players, the boss also kept his feet on the ground.

"The boys were excellent," said Evans. "We were playing a team with some real talent in the like of Archibald and Graham. They are blessed with it. 

"But we came with a game plan that we have been working on for a few days. 

"We knew we could affect it in certain areas and we did and with possibly a little bit more care and attention, we could win by more.

"It was a controlled performance and it was massively important we managed the big moments on the pitch. 

"I’m really pleased all round and I’m looking at every player and they all made a massive contribution.

"We've beat a very good side but if we played them next week, it might be a very different result.

"When they hit the crossbar, if that goes in, it perhaps changes the course of the game."

That chance fell to Ruel Sotiriou on seven minutes but thundered against the woodwork and bounced back into Taye Ashby-Hammond's hands.

Evans said: "It came from new players and not setting up right in the way we had organised on the training pitch. 

"We switched off a little, we didn’t switch on individually. 

"That provoked us to come off the bench and rattle one or two ears about what they were supposed to be doing. 

"But we have an incredible team spirit and it doesn’t matter who we bring in. 

"We have learned a lot about individuals and we’ll be continued to learn and be respectful of all opponents."

The three goalscorers all earned plaudits from the Boro boss too.

On-loan Manchester United striker Charlie McNeill got the first and Dan Sweeney added the second before half-time.

Nick Freeman then wrapped it up on 79 minutes.

Evans said: "[Charlie's] movement in the first half was fantastic and in fairness to the two Leyton Orient boys, they did well to find out where he was after 30 minutes because he was running them ragged into key areas. 

"He got the goal and we knew that if we got 60 minutes out of him, that would be an incredible shift from a young man who has literally just joined us. 

"Dan's fitness is testament to him and what he did when he was injured. 

"He came back looking more like me than Dan Sweeney but it is fair to say he went to work and he has been relentless. 

"He says he is fitter than he has ever been and his performance was really commanding. 

"Nick has had a frustrating time. We were working him hard to get him back to fitness because he wasn’t getting games at the end at Wycombe. 

"And when he was out injured, like Sweens, he has worked hard. 

"When he hit the ball, I knew it would hit the target. I didn’t know it would be as accurate or as missile like." 

And with three players coming in on deadline day, Evans believes Stevenage can only get better.

The Boro boss said: "We just need the treatment room to be a little bit kind for us. It has been a hinderance to us this season. 

"We tried to affect it positively [on deadline day] and it is credit to Leon Hunter, to the chairman and the board. 

"Everything I have asked them to do, they have been incredible. 

"People thought we were bonkers to sell [Josh March] but we did our business at the end. 

"He went out and that allowed us to do something with Harvey. Everyone has seen him play and he is ready to come in and play a part."