Newport County proving doubters wrong - Will Evans

The striker’s goals have been vital in the Exiles avoiding the tough season that many were predicting.

They host Gillingham this afternoon with a four-point gap to the play-offs and a 20-point lead over the relegation zone.

County are safe from the drop and could even force their way into play-off contention, something that not many saw coming after a summer of key departures and financial uncertainty.

“It's always been the underdog story with Newport. I kind of like that mentality when people don't expect that much from us but we prove them wrong,” said Evans.

“We still have 15 games to really give the season a good go. If people had said that at this stage we would be mid-table, four points off the play-offs, I don't think many would have believed it.”

HAPPY: County striker Will Evans (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Evans has also surprised this season after following four goals in 52 appearances in his debut season with 22 in all competitions so far.

“I have always trusted my ability and know what I can offer,” he said. “I get it, last year I scored two goals in the league and things have taken a turn for the good.

“Let's just hope that I can get over that 20 mark. That would be a good statement of intent.”

The hard-working forward is on 18 in League Two, one back on Salford’s Matt Smith and four behind Notts County’s Macauley Langstaff in the race for the golden boot.

“I don't really watch my goal tally but you see things pop up [online],” said Evans. “I don't go out of my way to look and an individual accolade is not something I really look to achieve.

“I remember the gaffer saying he was disappointed I didn’t win player of the month at the start of the season but I'm just about getting the team as high up the league as possible.”