Evans warns of Darlington threat

Steve Evans

Boston United boss Steve Evans watched Darlington deservedly beat Bristol Rovers on Tuesday evening and then declared that the Pilgrims will have their work cut out in the northeast on Saturday.

Boston travel to the Darlington Arena looking to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat against Grimsby Town, while the Quakers find themselves on a six-match unbeaten run following Tuesday’s success at the Memorial Stadium.

Three Darlington players plied their trade at the Staffsmart Stadium earlier this season, although striker Julian Joachim is not eligible to face the Pilgrims on Saturday, due to a clause inserted in the transfer deal that took him to the northeast.

Meanwhile, full-back Tim Ryan is currently struggling with a hamstring strain, but midfielder David Rowson, who spent a loan spell with the Pilgrims earlier in the season, will be in contention to face United on Saturday.

Speaking to bufc.co.uk on Wednesday, Evans said: “Darlington produced an excellent performance and excluding the first few minutes, they dominated the game all over the pitch.

“They have an abundance of riches when it comes to the playing squad, when you consider they can leave the likes of Julian Joachim, David Rowson, Darren Holloway and Craig James on the bench and only give them at best, a very limited part.

“Given their resources for the team, many expect them to earn an end-of-season play-off spot and they will see Saturday as a home banker.

“We ourselves will go there severely depleted, given our shortage of playing squad options, with at least four of the current United squad still in the treatment room. However, we as a team have worked hard this week on the training ground to ensure that if Darlington do penetrate us, it will be through their good play and not bad individual errors.

“The boys and staff are still hurting from last Saturday and in all honesty, that will be the case long after Darlington, whatever the result.

“Yes, we are limited, but we must have that hunger and desire that it will take for Boston United to pull clear of the relegation zone. Other teams around us have decent resources to help themselves get out of their current predicament, but my chairman has told me simply to get on and work with what we have as there are no funds available other than perhaps one emergency loan signing.”

Justin Richards

On-loan Peterborough United striker Justin Richards has returned to London Road, carrying a knock, but Evans is now seeking a further addition to his squad ahead of Saturday’s trip to the northeast. A striker is believed to be at the top of Evans’ wish-list, but the Boston boss refused to name his targets.

Full updates will be featured on bufc.co.uk as they happen.