Peter Taylor hopes City have finally banished the Valley Parade fear factor.

After struggling for results at home throughout much of last season, they have now won four straight in front of their own fans.

Following wins against Morecambe, Barnet and Northampton at the end of the previous campaign, Tuesday’s thrilling 2-1 Carling Cup triumph against Forest was their most encouraging display yet.

Despite trailing 1-0 at the break, City took the game to their opponents in the second half and seemed to feed off the energy of the crowd.

And Taylor hopes his side have finally overcome the Valley Parade troubles that saw them win only five of their first 22 games there last season.

“Before, the players were playing with a little bit of fear at home and they mustn’t do that,” said the City chief ahead of Saturday’s clash with Stevenage.

“Our supporters have been terrific and what I liked about them the other night was they appreciated the effort the players put in.

“In the last minute when Tommy Doc whacked the ball to nobody in the corner just to waste time, I was pleased to see the fans clapping because it’s obvious they know their stuff. The players have to keep putting in performances like they did.”

Still, Taylor wasn’t entirely happy with the display against Forest.

A sluggish first-half performance could have cost them dear and he knows his side must get out of the blocks quicker on Saturday.

He said: “I think at half-time the players were probably expecting to lose the game because Forest were doing much better than us.

“Second half they turned it round. They made it more like a cup tie and didn’t allow Forest to just play and pass the way they wanted to.

“We’ve got to learn from that because that’s how we’ve got to start our league matches.

“We need to start well, start aggressively, get in their faces and not allow teams to come and settle.

“The last thing you need at home is the away team to come and have a nice time.”

David Syers is expected to be included in the squad as he attempts to win a permanent City deal.

The midfielder impressed while scoring the equaliser against Forest and will provide vital back-up with Michael Flynn potentially sidelined for up to a month.

“Michael’s seeing another specialist about his groin so he won’t be about this weekend,” said Taylor.

“We’re waiting to find out but it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s out for a month.

“We don’t know yet.”