Alan Knill believes Stevenage's rise from non-league to the League One play-offs is a 'fantastic story'.

But it is one the Iron boss is keen to ensure does not have a happy ending when in-form Boro make a first-ever visit to Glanford Park.

Little more than two years ago, while the Iron were beating Derby County 3-2 in the Championship, Stevenage were 17th in the Blue Square Premier League on the back of a goalless draw at Barrow.

That season though, they went on to win promotion as champions of the division and they have since taken the Football League by storm.

"I said when we played them earlier in the season that I could see why they were doing well and why they've come through two leagues," said Knill.

"They're a good side and I've been fortunate to see them over the last number of years.

"They've been together a long time and have all grown as a team together. They are a team first and then have some decent individual players after that.

"To be sixth in the league has made it a fantastic story at Stevenage. I just hope it ends on Saturday."

Already seen as outsiders for a top-six finish, despite losing just one of their last 13 league matches, the departure of manager Graham Westley to League One rivals Preston North End last week was undoubtedly a blow.

The club's players, now under the caretaker leadership of club captain Mark Roberts, responded to the setback in true Stevenage fashion, by hammering Rochdale 5-1 at Spotland little more than 24 hours after his exit.

While the man in the dugout may change, Knill says nothing will on the pitch – meaning the Iron are in for a 'really tough' workout against one of the division's most powerful outfits.

"Graham did a great job there, but even though he's gone I can't see the team changing in any way," added the United chief.

"The players know what their jobs are. The actual team doesn't change much and if it does, it's usually like for like.

"It's a tough game, Stevenage, as everybody in this league has found out.

"I'm not expecting anything different this weekend and if you do then you're going to be in trouble, as a lot of teams have found out."