Evans contemplating restricted numbers

David Galbraith: out

Boston United boss Steve Evans is facing an injury crisis ahead of Saturday’s Coca-Cola League Two match at Bristol Rovers.

The Pilgrims have been down to the minimum numbers over the last few weeks, with young scholars being used to make up the substitutes’ bench.

Evans is facing the headache of being without injured quintet Simon Rusk, Brad Maylett, Lee Canoville, David Galbraith and Chris Holland, while Richie Ryan has missed training this week through illness.

Furthermore, striker Francis Green is now suspended for the next two matches, leaving the manager with the possibility of having only 13 players to choose from, including two goalkeepers.

Evans however, was upbeat ahead of the trip to the southwest and told bufc.co.uk: “Bristol Rovers has always been a difficult place to go and they have the resources available to make them really good at this level.

“Only a few weeks ago, they paid £200,000 for Rickie Lambert, while on the other hand, I was forced to sell Julian Joachim.

“The fans at Bristol Rovers really get behind their team and it makes for a good atmosphere for the lads to enjoy. Our injury situation is devastating at present, but I would rather concentrate on the players we have available rather than those not.

“We have a great team spirit and togetherness and that will be needed at times like this. Bristol Rovers are clear favourites to win, but we would like to prove that wrong.

“I have had a close look at what options Bristol Rovers have in team selection and with a first team squad of around 28 professionals, they do have many to choose from.

“We are limited but as long as we have a right go from start to finish, I can live with what comes from that.”

Match referee at the Memorial Stadium is Steve Bratt and kick-off is 3.00pm.