Ched Evans’ two goals on Friday night gave Preston North End a 2-1 win over Reading. Not many would have predicted the Welshman to score one, never mind two on the night.
They were his first goals for nearly a year, but he took both very well and was key to getting the three points.
Obviously Emil Riis is the first choice striker at the club and was predominantly partnered by Troy Parrott up until his injury against Norwich City. Ryan Lowe has had slim pickings since then with Evans rotating with Sean Maguire and Ben Woodburn for that spot to support Riis.
Evans played against Swansea City on Tuesday night, playing 78 minutes of that 2-1 win. The 33-year-old very rarely manages 90 minutes anyway, and with such a quick turnaround for the game at Reading on Friday, not many were expecting him to be named in the starting eleven again.
Sean Maguire would have seemed to be a more probable option, but Evans kept his place, and rewarded his manager. It’s the first time he has started back-to-back games for the club since he managed three on the trot between February and March earlier this year.
Of course Evans will want to play as many games as possible, and he will know his body and fitness better than anyone else, and that’s why Ryan Lowe went to him to see whether he was ready to start the game.
Preston’s manager spoke to Sky Sports after the win on Friday night, with Michelle Owen, Hal Robson-Kanu and former North Ender Sean St. Ledger summarising the game. They asked him about Evans’ performance, and Lowe said he had gone to him ahead of the game to ask whether he was ready.
‘I asked Ched again yesterday, could he go again, and he said yes – and when he says yes, you’ve got to trust him because I thought he was excellent on Tuesday and he’s replicated that today, so I’m really pleased for him. Well deserved man-of-the-match award and I’m delighted he scored two goals.’
Lee Hendrie was co-commentating on the game and was also very complimentary of the former Sheffield United striker’s performance.
‘There’s only one player that has really stood out. This man has been excellent. A superb work ethic and two goals that have earned all three points for Preston.’
Preston now have a full week before their next fixture which is their last before the break for the World Cup. Based on his performance on Friday night, it’s likely Evans will be starting that game too.