Evans laughs off Hatters claims

CRAWLEY Town manager Steve Evans has laughed off claims from Luton Town boss Richard Money that his side are favourites going into tonight’s tie at Kenilworth Road.

The Red Devils are currently top of the Blue Square Bet Premier, having spent heavily to recruit a promotion-winning team, leaving Money to admit yesterday: “I never expected to be the manager of Luton Town and to be underdogs but it is one of those occasions.

“It would be unusual for us to go into a game as underdogs but that’s the way it is and underdogs do win.”

Evans was quick to counter those claims though, saying: “I am amazed to hear that Richard Money has stated we are the favourites to win the match - I must admit hearing Richard claim Luton Town are the underdogs made me chuckle but it perhaps does demonstrate how far our three-year Promotion Project has progressed in such a short time.

“Luton Town are by far the biggest club in The Blue Square Bet Premier and they would not be out of place in The NPower Championship but that will count for nothing when the referee starts the action.

“Richard Money has a very talented group of players and he is very fortunate to be backed by an unbelievable support base, they are incredible but I trust our players will relish the atmosphere that the big crowd will generate.

“We have prepared for this match as we have done with all our away matches this season, very thorough and professional.

“Not for one minute do I believe that a win for either team will give us anything other than three points but I do believe the match has all the ingredients to be a Conference Premier classic.”

Simon Rusk is the only absentee from Crawley’s squad, but Evans was giving no hints away as to his selection for the match, and urged for a strong referee to take control of the game.

He said: “Paul Raynor and myself know our starting team and those selected for the bench but that will remain confidential.

“Richard Money does not need any help from me in that area as his team, are like ourselves in that, they are enjoying an excellent run of form as I witnessed when they destroyed Mansfield Town last week.

“What we do need more than anything are strong match officials who get the big decisions right and who are not influenced by a big vocal home support.

“This is essential as the match might rest on a tight decision.

“As I said we go there in a confident frame of mind but very aware of the dangers we will face.”

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