An injury-time goal by substitute Mason Lewis handed relegation threatened Slimbridge their first win in 15 matches against a lacklustre Evesham side who have now gone five games without a win in the Evo-Stik Southern South & West Division. Despite enjoying an impressive winning streak earlier in the campaign, United`s play-off hopes are beginning to stutter and with five of the top seven sides still to visit the Jubilee Stadium before the end of the season, the push for the play-offs looks like going down to the wire. To add to another frustrating afternoon for the Red and Whites, top scorer Lance Smith became the second player to be sent-off in two games leaving United to play almost an hour with ten men.

Kennedy scored only goal

United showed first with Slimbridge player/manager Freddy Ward clearing off the line and then the ball smacked against the crossbar before having the danger cleared. Liam Harding sent a wind assisted shot from the halfway line just over and both Smith and Elliot Kennedy fired in shots as United kept up the pressure. At the other end, Adam Mace`s free-kick caught out the United defence but sailed just wide of the back post with keeper Kevin Sawyer struggling to make his ground. United led in the 29th minute courtesy of Kennedy`s powerful finish after the Slimbridge defence had failed to clear a trio of Lorcan Sheehan corners. But straight from the re-start a combination of comedy defending and a loss of footing by Sawyer gifted Slimbridge striker Jack Sklenar a soft equaliser to make it 1-1. Moments later, Smith was red carded for allegedly kicking out in frustration after Slimbridge stopper Marcus Beauchamp had gathered at the back post and about to clear his lines.

Despite being a man down but with a strong wind at their backs, United continued to pose the greater threat in the second half with Adam Mann twice, and Mark Magee going close, whilst Newport County loanee Beauchamp got his body behind Nick Stanley`s well driven free kick. The Robins, however, were given a fright with 15 minutes to play when Sklenar  found space on the edge of the home box but Sawyer was up to the task with a fine save by keeping the ball out with an outstretched foot. United continued to ping balls into the Slimbridge box with a flurry of late corners and free kicks but failed to deliver in front of goal and ultimately paid the price when debutant Lewis raced clear and shot beyond the advancing Sawyer to seal the visitors first victory in three months and give their survival hopes a massive boost.

UNITED:

Sawyer, Harding, Stanley, Sheehan, Odiero, Williams, Kennedy (Magee 65), Brown, Smith, Mann, Preen (Gray 45).

Subs not used: Gilder, Sloggett

Referee: Mr S.Postin (Coventry)            

Attendance; 236