Crowing Crawley have nothing to moan about

Crawley received the Conference trophy following the 1-1 draw at the Broadfield Stadium after they clinched the title at the weekend.

Pro-active Hatters had made inquiries to find out what was expected of them, but still came under fire from Evans for not forming a ‘guard of honour’.

Luton manager Gary Brabin said: “We mad a few inquiries as to what was supposed to be happening before the game.

“We were up front and honest enough to do anything.

“I’ve only really known Premier League clubs to do it (a guard of honour).

“We are asked the question. We brought it up.

“With them winning the league we asked whether they wanted us to clap them out and they said no and I thought we were quite respectful.”

But that didn’t stop Evans from stirring the situation after the game, saying: “I did expect the players of Luton Town to give my players a guard of honour on to the pitch at the start of a wonderful night, but obviously they were told not to do that.

“I know a number of the Luton players personally and I know what was said to them about a guard of honour, but I won’t compromise them or embarrass the individuals concerned.

“It is disappointing to say the least but it won’t change where we are heading next season.

“Luton Town are the giant football club in the Blue Square Bet Premier and they should help set the standards.

“They have the most fantastic supporters and had it been reversed and they were champions, they would have expected it from us. The difference is we would have done it.”

Brabin refused to get drawn into a war of words, merely saying: “We all know he probably wanted to make something out of it.

“They celebrated and I thought we were professional on the day.”

And he’s hoping his players take inspiration from the occasion and was pleased with the way they responded after an initial terrible opening 15 minutes, which saw them concede a goal after just 36 seconds, as they eventually drew 1-1.

Brabin said: “We have to get used to that atmosphere and get the lads used to it and hopefully we will be celebrating in a month’s time.

“It took us about 10 or 15 minutes to get used to it and I think we’ve played well after that.

“We looked a little bit startled for the first 15 minutes and never got to grips with the game.”

But he was delighted with Alex Lawless’ equaliser and the over performance, adding: “Alex I gave him a bit more freedom to get forward on the day and he too his goal fantastically.

“There were loads of individual performances and collectively as a team I was delighted with the performance of the players.”