Football is a game of moments—some fleeting, others carved into history. Tony Evans, a Liverpool-born forward, may not be a household name in soccer, but his active career, spanning various clubs and divisions, offers a compelling tale of determination, goals, and, at times, the unrelenting nature of the sport.

PART ONE

Following comparatively short spells with Formby and Blackpool, Ray Evans made his breakthrough at Cardiff City, where he quickly established himself as a reliable attacking presence. Moreover, his ability to find the back of the net, coupled with a tireless work ethic, made him a key figure for the Ninian Park club. He would go on to notch up 47 goals in 124 Football League appearances for The Bluebirds between 1975 and 1979, showcasing his versatility as a forward and proving himself against robust Second Division defences. Yet, as is so often the case in soccer, a new challenge beckoned, and it came in the form of Birmingham City.

At City, he found himself in a side that often struggled in the Fist Division, but he nevertheless thrived in front of goal. The 1981–82 season proved to be a particularly fruitful one, as he finished as the club’s leading scorer, underlining his credentials as a potent finisher. In particular, one performance stood out—his hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Manchester City at St Andrew´s on the 19th of September 1981. But despite his goal-scoring exploits, his time at the club was nearing an end, leading him to embark on the next chapter of his career.

Tony Evans’ journey then took him to Division Two outfit Crystal Palace during the 1983-84 season, where his goal-scoring prowess once again proved invaluable. Remarkably, all seven of his goals came away from home, an unusual but vital contribution that ultimately ensured Palace’s survival in the Second Division. In contrast to some forwards who thrive in the comfort of their home ground, Evans seemed to relish the challenge of hostile territory, where opposing supporters were more likely to hurl insults than cheers. As his career progressed, however, he would continue to find himself on the move, with new challenges awaiting.

PART TWO

A free transfer to Swindon Town in 1985 marked another fresh start, but this time, his impact was limited. With just 14 outings—most of them coming early in the season—he found himself on the periphery. By January, his role had diminished, and when the campaign ended, his time at the club had run its course.

Football is quite an unpredictable game, and while Tony Evans had previously enjoyed spells of consistent goal-scoring, his fortunes had now changed. Consequently, a move to Non-League football with Stafford Rangers followed in May 1986, where he spent a season before finally hanging up his boots.

Many former footballers struggle to find direction after retirement, but Evans took a different route. Rather than staying within the game as a coach or pundit, he embarked on a career in social work, proving that the skills honed on the pitch—discipline, teamwork, and resilience—could be applied elsewhere. In particular, he played a pivotal role in setting up the “Midnight League,” an initiative aimed at providing young people with a structured football environment during night-time hours. This project, designed to steer youngsters away from potentially harmful activities, demonstrated his commitment to using football as a force for good.

Evans may not have lifted league titles or graced the international stage, but his impact on the game—both as a player and in his post-football endeavours—deserves recognition. From scoring a hat-trick against Manchester City to helping Crystal Palace avoid the drop, his career was filled with defining moments.