Will Forrester was pleased to be back on the pitch at Stevenage – but admits there was a tinge of frustration Wanderers couldn’t secure all three points.

It was the defender’s first appearance since the FA Cup tie against Luton in January following a hamstring injury.

“I’m delighted to be finally back on the pitch, it has been a long time coming,” he said. “I have been training really hard and working as hard as I can to get back in the gaffer’s plans.

“Thankfully, he gave me the opportunity and I am grateful to be back but disappointed we couldn’t get the three points.”

Forrester came closest to breaking the deadlock during the first half but his header bounced back off the crossbar.

“Unfortunately, it didn’t go in,” he added. “Maybe, on another day it nestles into the top corner but it wasn’t to be.”

Despite a couple of months on the sidelines, the 22-year-old says he felt good physically throughout the contest at the Lamex Stadium.

Forrester is keen to get more minutes under his belt in the run-in as Wanderers aim to finish the season strongly and gain ground on the current top two.

“I will sleep tonight,” he grinned. “Surprisingly, I felt really good in the game. I felt strong and didn’t feel any cramp or anything.

“I felt really good considering the spell I had on the sidelines. I will rest and recover now, ready for Monday if I am picked again.”

The centre-back has made 22 appearances for the Whites this season following his move from Port Vale in the summer.

Forrester admits watching from the sidelines can be difficult but did his best to have a positive impact on the squad when he wasn’t in the starting line-up.

“It is always frustrating when you are not playing, but I feel like I am a good professional and will always do my best to help the team,” he explained.

“If I am not playing, I will get around the boys and always be there to support them.”