‘At it again!’ - Stevenage boss reveals hilarious Emi Martinez interaction after FA Cup shock

Stevenage manager Steve Evans has revealed the rather brilliant interaction he had with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after his side delivered an FA Cup shock for the ages this afternoon. Boro scored two very late goals to turn things around, sending a 3,000-strong away support into raptures at Villa Park.

Jamie Reid grabbed one back for Stevenage in the 88th minute, converting from the spot after Dean Campbell was pulled down by Leander Dendoncker. The Villa midfielder was sent off for the foolish challenge, leaving his side vulnerable. The away side good advantage as just two minutes later Campbell went one step better and got his own goal, striking low and hard at the near post.

Celebrations at the final whistle were glorious for Stevenage, but Villa were left stunned and severely disappointed at how they had let the result slip out of their favour. Substitute goalkeeper Martinez was sure to make light out of the situation, though, as he approached Boro head coach Steve Evans, who he was once managed by while on loan with Rotherham United.

“Very, very humble Emi was,” Evans said after the game, as he laughed before continuing a short story. “He played for me for four-to-five months at Rotherham. He came over and gave me a big hug and said to me, ‘typical Evans, typical Evans. You always get big wins’. He had a big smile. I will be sure to catch up with him.”

Martinez, who enjoyed World Cup glory with Argentina last month, has been in the headlines a lot recently for his off-field antics. From holding his Golden Glove trophy to his midriff in celebration to taunting Kylian Mbappe, the goalkeeper certainly has not held back with his joyous personality.

The former Arsenal man, who has made 90 appearances for the Villans since signing in 2020, returned to action for Unai Emery’s side on Wednesday evening as they drew 1-1 to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Lions have stumbled a lot at home of late and it is something Emery admitted must improve ahead of another challenge at Villa Park – against Leeds United next Friday.