Evatt fury over ‘attack’ by fans
POLICE have launched an inquiry i nto complaints Chesterfield’s Ian Evatt was punched and spat at by Preston fans during a pitch invasion at the final whistle.
Supporters celebrating the League One play-off semi-final win poured on to the Deepdale surface after two goals from Jermaine Beckford and a Joe Garner penalty sent them to Wembley.
Angry defender Evatt took to Twitter afterwards to protest, saying: ‘To be attacked on a football pitch and fear for your safety is an absolute disgrace I was punched kicked and spat on several times. #disgrace’
Chesterfield assistant boss Leam Richardson confirmed the police are looking into the matter and added: ‘Ian’s fine but I think it’s a disgrace personally. The rivalry you can’t underestimate but to lay hands on people as supporters and men is a disgrace.’
North End breezed into the final. Beckford, on loan from Bolton, swivelled and angled a superb half-volley into the net after he got on the end of Garner’s flick on.
Garner added a second from the penalty spot after a rush of blood to the head from Chesterfield keeper Joe Murphy saw him bring down Daniel Johnson. Beckford then put the icing on the cake with a brilliant long-range goal from just inside the Chesterfield half after spotting Murphy off his line.
‘It’s right up there with my best goals,’ Beckford said. ‘Joe Garner told me if you get half a chance, just have a look. Fortunately for me i t flew i n and the rest is history.’
Preston boss Simon Grayson added: ‘The players had to dig deep at times but I am delighted for the way they have responded really well since last week.
‘It’s a fantastic feeling. But it is no point going to Wembley if we are not going to win it.’ PRESTON (4-3-3) Johnstone; Clarke, Wright, Huntington, Woods (Humphrey 76); Johnson (Laird 71), Welsh, Kilkenny; Gallagher (Browne 53), Garner, Beckford. CHESTERFIELD (4-2-3-1): Murphy; Darikwa, Evatt, Hird, Jones (Ariyibi 67); Morsy, Ryan; Banks (Gnanduillet 64), O’Shea, Roberts (Gardner 82); Clucas. Referee: Andy D’Urso.