Steve Evans raps referee after Stevenage held by Port Vale
Posted Sunday, October 22, 2023 by PA
Stevenage manager Steve Evans once again bemoaned refereeing decisions but was encouraged with his side’s performance after a 0-0 draw at home to Port Vale.
Boro came into the game having suffered three defeats from their last four league matches following a strong start to the season and failed to score for just the second time this term against a resolute Valiants outfit.
Jake Forster-Caskey and Jamie Reid both went close for the hosts while Ben Garrity and Funso Ojo had the best sights of goal for Andy Crosby’s visitors.
But Evans turned his ire once more this season to the officials after he felt his side were let down by the failure of referee Scott Jackson to brandish two red cards to Port Vale players.
“There are some big things that have gone against us,” said Evans.
“My recall of the game is that some big decisions have gone against us, there should be a red card and a double yellow so they should be at nine men.
“We’ll no doubt get apologies again from the EFL on Monday.
“We only ask what should be right to us. It’s so frustrating but he’ll make his excuses, I’ll get an apology and I’ll badmouth him, here we go again.”
Despite frustrations with some of the decisions, Evans was upbeat with the result despite the Boro seeing chances to win the game pass them by in the second half.
“We missed two big chances, two one-on-ones and they’re big chances,” he continued.
“This game was a big benchmark for us because they’ve been in the league, they’re settled, they’ve got a brilliant owner and a good manager in Andy.
“I told the boys we couldn’t have a Blackpool [when they lost 3-0] and I said to the boys at the end not to be disappointed because for 75 minutes we’ve dominated.”
Vale also arrived in Hertfordshire struggling for form, with no victories in their last five league games.
The visitors started the brighter, however, with Ojo forcing Taye Ashby-Hammond into a smart save early on while Vale keeper Connor Ripley was made to earn a first clean sheet in six by denying Reid one-on-one.
Crosby was pleased with a point on the road despite his side’s winless streak extending to six.
“We knew what to expect, Stevenage are very good at what they do,” he said.
“There are many ways to skin a cat. They put you under physical and mental pressure for long periods.
“You can’t always go forward and score but it’s about keeping the ball away from them.
“I’m delighted with the clean sheet and the mentality of the group to stand up to it because they do test you.”
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