No money spinning run for Evesham in this seasons FA Cup after the Robins lost 2-1 in the Preliminary Round at Evo-Stik Northern League Division One South Leek town.  Despite Matt Clarke’s side taking an early lead Leek responded by scoring twice and now entertain Bewdley Town in the First Qualifying round.  Heavy traffic on the M6 delayed United’s arrival at Harrison Park forcing the Kick-off to be put back 15 minutes.

The rigours of a three hour coach journey failed to dampen spirits and United were first to strike after just three minutes.  Roland Agbor worked an opening for Luke Corbett and the United striker netted with a fine strike from the edge of the box.  Leek responded and deservedly drew level on 15 minutes.  Tom Urwin took advantage of poor defending to plant a delicate finish over United Keeper Dean Coleman.  Corbett was denied by the legs of Town Keeper Danny Roberts before Leek notched the deciding goal after 32 minutes.   A misunderstanding at the back between Coleman and Henry Eze presented Tim Grice with an easy tap-in to put the home side 2-1 up.  Skipper Matt Haddrell then missed a ‘sitter’ for the hosts with the first half drawing to a close contriving to fire over from only a yard out.

Haddrell failed to connect with Tim Sander’s cross in front of goal but it was Roberts who ensured Leek progressed by making two exceptional saves late on.  First the Town stopper somehow got a hand to divert Tom Warmer’s drive wide and then with Evesham on the front foot was at full stretch to keep out Neil MacKenzie’s free-kick which look destined for the bottom corner.

Evesham United: Coleman, Wilson, Hyde, Eze, Robinson, Warmer, Downing, Hicks (Mackenzie 66), Corbett (Tulloch 76), Palmer, Agbor (Osborne 59)

Subs Not Used: Meredith, Connor, Williams, Rhodes

Referee: M. Rawcliffe (Failsworth)

Attendance: 177.