STEVE EVANS HITS BACK AT CRITICS
Richard Williams - Wrexham Evening Leader

Wrexham's Steve Evans today protested his innocence following the challenge that left Peterborough United goalkeeper Joe Lewis in hospital on Saturday.

Centre-back Evans went up for a header with Lewis following a corner during the second half of Saturday's 0-0 draw at London Road, and the shot-stopper was stretchered off.

A mass brawl involving every single outfield player then ensued, and Evans was confronted by Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson - his former Reds' team-mate - at the final whistle.

But Evans, who was booked for the offence, said he was trying to meet the delivery in an attempt to add to his goal in the victory against Darlington the previous weekend.

"All I did was keep my eyes on the ball and went to head it as it came over, like I did the week before. And we bumped into each other," said Evans. "Their keeper did well because if he had not come I would have scored.

"It all kicked off around me after that. I could not see what their problem was but it was just handbags. You get it.

"It was nothing at the final whistle, again just handbags. I think Darren was more disappointed that Peterborough were second best and had not won."

Lewis said: "It was just one of those things that happen in football.

"I haven't seen the incident, but the lads have told me it wasn't the best of challenges.

"These things happen in football, in fact it's the third time this season I've been battered, but I'm certainly not going to dwell on it and I'm sure the rest of the team aren't either.

"There's no question of revenge or anything like that when we go up there in a couple of weeks. We have to make sure we are totally professional.

"Wrexham are a team fighting for their lives and there are bound to be some strong challenges in games against them, but it's done with as far as I'm concerned.

"I just want to concentrate on getting fit and ready to play again. As I can't even remember the incident, I see no reason for me to worry about it!"

Prior to the incident, Lewis was still recovering from another heavy challenge involving one of his team-mates which led to the corner, and Wrexham manager Brian Little was surprised Lewis continued after the first challenge.

"You don't like to see anybody get injured and unfortunately the goalkeeper took a couple of challenges," said Little. "I thought the one with his own player was the harder challenge of the two. It was not a bad challenge, it was honest.

"I was surprised he carried on after the first challenge. And if Steve's challenge had come first I am sure the keeper would have got up.

"To make a massive issue of it is wrong. The game did not hinge around that decision and there is nothing for us to get involved in."

Wrexham came in for criticism from Ferguson for their performance, with the Reds' unbeaten run stretched to five matches with the stalemate.

But Little was delighted with the display against the promotion challengers: "It was a good performance, though I don't know if everyone thought that, but we certainly did," he said.

"We were strong and organised. I thought we acquitted ourselves really well and I was very pleased. I don't think we did anything other than play well.

"We are bottom of the table and have recently played the three top sides, and have come out with good results.

"You can't get drawn in if people criticise you."

Wrexham slipped back to the foot of the table but are only one point away from safety.

And although pleased with the way things have gone in recent weeks, Wales international Evans said Wrexham can't rest on their laurels and there is still plenty of work still to be done in the battle to avoid the drop.

"It was a positive result and confidence is really high. The lads are buzzing at the moment," added Evans. "We are just going out to work hard and are getting results.

"But we have done nothing yet. We have to keep working hard as a team and hopefully the results will come, and we pull away from the relegation zone.

"We are all sticking together and we have to keep it going.

"The new lads have freshened things up and have helped the lads who have been here for a while.

"They have blended in quickly and made a real difference. They have done well for us."