Stevenage boss Steve Evans claims Carlisle United were 'terrified'

The visiting boss felt his goalkeeper’s distribution gave the Blues great concern in the stalemate.

And Evans insisted only one side looked likely to win the game in the closing stages.

He said: “We proved our fitness levels at the end. We’re the team trying to win it at the end. We’re still trying to put balls in the final third and go and get a goal.

“From the minute the board went up we’re the team advancing trying to win the game. But it’s a point on the road and we’ll take it.”

Evans highlighted keeper Jon McCracken’s distribution as a weapon he claimed Carlisle did not enjoy dealing with.

“Every time Jon hit the ball, from 70 yards from their box they were terrified because he’s got the power, strength and charisma and balance,” he said.

Evans’ side and Paul Simpson’s Cumbrians could not be separated in the battle of two promotion-chasing sides.

Evans claimed the distribution of Jon McCracken, left, 'terrified' Carlisle (Image: Ben Holmes)

Stevenage held onto second place while United dropped to fourth.

While United fans criticised the way the Hertfordshire side went about aspects of the game, Evans was full of praise for his team.

“I think it was an excellent performance,” he said in a club interview.

“We’ve restricted a team that’s won [four] on the bounce to zero chances.

READ MORE: Simmo rues 'big calls' in Blues' stalemate with Stevenage

“I think we probably had the better moments in terms of good possession in the final third, but we didn’t have that bit of quality that we normally have.

“I think that was summed up with the ball that breaks for Luke [Norris]…his touch is too big – if his touch is better he’s eight yards out with the goal at his mercy.

“Not to be, but we were disciplined. We had big players missing but the dressing room has an inner resolve. We played really well in spells but it was a structured, disciplined performance.”

Evans came in for stick from the Paddock but said the way Carlisle’s fans got behind their team was no surprise.

“A very passionate home crowd which you’d expect,” he said. “Paul’s done a wonderful job, and they’ve got good players.

“But Jon McCracken said, ‘I never felt at any time I was gonna concede’. The back boys will take great confidence from such a good young goalkeeper who’s done his job for us.

“We’ve achieved nothing [yet]. But if you’d said to us last week you’ll win Saturday, win Tuesday and then come back with a point on the coach from Carlisle, we’d have taken it.”