Evans revels in Barnet success

Steve Evans

Boston United boss Steve Evans was delighted to see his side return to winning ways with an industrious performance against Barnet on Saturday.

The Pilgrims were 2-1 victors courtesy of first half strikes from Lawrie Dudfield and Mark Greaves and the United manager claimed that his side was “comfortable” until Barnet substitute Lee Roache reduced the arrears on 71 minutes.

Evans told bufc.co.uk: “I was very happy for 70 minutes, because they caused us no problems whatsoever.

“We scored two good goals and perhaps saw two other good chances go begging, but we then switched off once and got punished. Barnet’s goal made things tighter than they should have been, but they are fighting for their lives and give it a real go. We defended really well though and I was pleased with the performance of the boys at the back.”

Evans said that he believed a third Boston goal would have seen Barnet capitulate, but it was the Pilgrims who were forced to defend strongly in the closing stages. He added: “I think that if the third had gone in, we could really have taken advantage because I believe Barnet would have caved in.

Paul Ellender: return

“However, they got one back and we were the ones forced to defend. It shows how thin the dividing line between success and failure is in this league. At Carlisle last week, we got the score back to 2-1 and gave the league leaders a real fright, so it demonstrates that you must take your chances when they arrive and defend properly to enjoy any success at this level.

“Our performance was hardworking and convincing, if somewhat unspectacular, but the character and attitude was spot on and an ideal way to bounce back from Wednesday’s disappointing defeat. The lads gave everything and it was a massive three points, which saw us sail through the magical 50-point barrier.”

The Pilgrims travel to Leyton Orient next weekend, searching for their fourth away win of the season. Evans believes that United can travel without pressure and express themselves at a venue where they have won once, drawn once and lost once in three Football League meetings to date.

Evans continued: “There is lots of ‘nervous football’ played at this stage of the season and Orient will be expected to beat us as they challenge for promotion. Orient will definitely be in the top six at the end of the season, so we can go to Brisbane Road and try to cause a shock, because no-one will expect us to get anything there.”

Alan White: praise

The Pilgrims’ supremo saved his final words for recalled central defenders Alan White and Paul Ellender, who both made returns to the starting XI against Barnet.

Evans concluded: “Alan White played like he can. He was big, strong and organised and that is the Alan White we all know.

“Paul Ellender was fantastic too. People question why I let him out on loan, but he wasn’t in the side and he had no complaints about that, because our back four at the time was in superb form.

“He needed competitive action and there were plenty of takers. He decided Chester was the best place for him and got five good games under his belt. He produced the goods for us against Barnet and I’m delighted to have the big fella’ back in action.”