Evans disappointed Gillingham held to draw at Peterborough

Posted Sunday, January 12, 2020 by PA

Steve Evans was disappointed his return to Peterborough ended in a 0-0 draw with his Gillingham side.

The visitors are now unbeaten in seven but could not make the most of Mark Beevers’ late red card, with 10-man Posh actually coming closer to winning the match through top scorer Ivan Toney.

Evans, who was back at London Road for the first time since being sacked a year ago by his hometown club, said: “Conditions played a huge part with a galeforce wind.

“We should have perhaps been three up. There was a reaction from them but I thought we were very effective in spells in the second half.

“It’s a difficult place to come as they have very good players.

“We should have been comfortably in front. I’m disappointed we’ve only taken a point. A draw isn’t fair but they could have won it 1-0.

“We introduced Jordan Roberts who was particularly impressive, as were others. I’m hoping to bring in one or two more during the week. We can’t spend big money as we don’t have it, but the chairman is supporting us as best he can.

“I want Peterborough to be in the play-offs. If we are not in there I will support them. They’ve shown me great respect today.

“Oxford next will be a difficult game. They are the best team I have seen in the league.”

Gillingham should have led when debutant Roberts and Brandon Hanlan both headed against the bar from a free-kick.

Gills goalkeeper Jack Bonham then spilt a Toney shot, but defender Bary Fuller superbly diverted Mo Eisa’s rebound onto the bar.

Posh then saw Beevers receive a second yellow after 87 minutes for blocking Hanlan, but in the 95th minute Toney could have won it, only to shoot wide in front of goal.

Posh have now slipped to ninth after no win in five and manager Darren Ferguson said: “It was a difficult game with the opposition and they way they play and the weather.

“We had signs of momentum but did not keep the ball for long enough. The conditions suited the opposition a lot more than us.

“They did not cause us too many problems until the end of the first half but on balance they deserved to be ahead.

“Ivan has the best chance of the game right at the death but screwed it wide. Mo’s chance, earlier in the season he scores that, but that’s the way it’s going at the moment. We just have to ride it out and build momentum back.

“But it’s a clean sheet against very good opposition that just wants to put the ball in the box.

“I thought the second yellow card for Mark Beevers was soft. I thought the referee gave it far too quickly.”