Steve Evans impressed by Thimothee Lo-Tutala as goalkeeper stars for Stevenage

Posted Saturday, April 08, 2023 by PA

Steve Evans was forced to select his seventh goalkeeper of the season in Stevenage’s 1-1 draw with Colchester but admitted he was thrilled with Thimothee Lo-Tutala’s performance.

Jon McCracken returned to his parent club Norwich after suffering an ankle injury in the 1-1 draw against Northampton, paving the way for Lo-Tutala’s emergency loan from Hull.

The 20-year-old Frenchman could do nothing about Connor Hall’s opener for the home side but looked assured throughout, with Boro equalising in the 47th minute through former Colchester star Alex Gilbey.

And Evans does not know where he keeps finding all this goalkeeping talent having fielded seven so far this season.

“Jon is out for the season, so that is a blow because he came in and did really well for us, but we have found one hell of a good replacement,” he said.

“I can’t keep finding goalkeepers, I have found enough this season. But we have found that young man and I thought he made a very competent debut today, very strong, good hands.

“I thought he made a brilliant save in the second half when we could have gone behind again.

“He has trained with the lads for three or four sessions, so he was well versed. He is a young man who is very, very highly thought of, we are grateful to Hull City.

“The kid has been on the bench and almost waiting for his chance to play in the Championship. I persuaded him that playing and fighting for a promotion is better than hoping to make a game in the Championship.”

The result is nevertheless a blow to Boro’s hopes of automatic promotion, leaving them fourth on goal difference.

A draw also does very little for Colchester, with Ben Garner’s side now just one point ahead of Hartlepool and the relegation zone.

Garner, who is still without a win since taking charge of the Us at the start of March, was happy with a draw against a side chasing a top-three finish.

He said: “I was disappointed with their goal, but to then see it through and get a point at a very difficult place to come is good and now we need to follow that up on Monday.

“I thought we restricted them to very little if I am honest. There weren’t many clear-cut chances really for them.

“To restrict Stevenage to so little was a real positive because they are very good at home. They create a lot of opportunities and are very difficult to play against.

“That side is really pleasing. There are a lot of positives in there, it is four unbeaten and we need to push on from here now.

“We are not interested in what is going on elsewhere, if we take care of business we will be fine.

“I think we definitely had the toughest game today and now it is all about Monday.”