Evans hails Roms despite defeat

ROMULUS may have been on the end of a 4-1 defeat last weekend - but boss Richard Evans still hailed his team's performance at Ilkeston.

The Coles Lane chief felt that the Robins' two late goals gave the scoreline an unfair reflection at the New Manor Ground as the Roms pressed for an equaliser at 2-1 down.

Evans said: "The performance at Ilkeston was excellent, but the goals in added time took the gloss off it.

"It was a strange result - certainly not a 4-1 game which they would happily admit to.

"At 2-1 we got caught pushing for an equaliser, but we were well on top and looked like getting back into it - there were some good performances out there.

"We've had a few inquests this season, but not after that display."

The Roms turn their attentions back to cup action this week with a double header in knockout competitions.

Evans takes his side on the road to league rivals Sheffield in the FA Trophy on Saturday (KO 3pm), looking to make club history.

If Romulus can topple the Evostik NPL One South high-flyers, they will reach the third qualifying round for the first time, and with Conference North sides also entering the competition in the next round, there is a chance to pull a plum tie with giants such as Boston United or FC Halifax Town.

Should the Sheffield match not go to a replay, the Roms follow that up with a trip to Solihull Moors on Tuesday night in the Birmingham Senior Cup (KO 7.45pm).

The Moors are especially close to Evans' heart, having played for former incarnation Moor Green with great distinction for 10 years at Southern League Premier level, but the boss says that his side are out to win both games.

"No one is that much better than anyone else in non-league football, and if we play like we can we have a good chance in both matches.

"We have great belief in the way we are playing at the moment and will attack both games with confidence."

Evans will be without the suspended Nathan Walker on Saturday, but he returns for Tuesday's clash. Youngsters Cameron Lee and Todd Evans are both back to provide depth to the squad.