Honours ended all square as Evesham United and Evo-Stik Northern Premier League newcomers Stourbridge fought out an entertaining draw in the latest pre-season friendly at the Spiers & Hartwell Jubilee Stadium.

Once again United striker Ashley Edenborough proved a shrewd summer signing by manager Paul Collicutt with a superb second-half equaliser to earn the Robins a deserved share of the spoils against their higher graded opponents. Stourbridge looked strong and dangerous in the first-half enjoying large chunks of possession and creating the better chances. Ben Billingham showed first for the visitors spurning an early opportunity and then Louie Harris was narrowly wide of the target with a powerful drive from distance. United`s skipper for the evening Kevin Sawyer was then brought into action making smart saves to keep out Joshua Morgan-Parker, Billingham and the lively Kyle Haynes as Stourbridge remained on the front foot.

Former Evesham keeper Dean Coleman was tested for the first-time holding onto Lance Smith`s snap-shot but the Glassboy`s pressure was finally rewarded in the final minute of the half. George Washbourne opened the scoring with a deflected shot that sent
Sawyer the wrong way and trickled into the net.

HALF-TIME: Evesham United (0) Stourbridge (1)

Evesham improved dramatically after the re-start courtesy of a number of half-time substitutions, Smith was unable to get a final touch to Elliot Kennedy`s low cross to the near post and then had an effort charged down following Sean Wood`s quickly taken free-kick. Coleman then denied Edenborough with a brave block and Jack Watt`s following-up guided his header too high. Coleman, however, could do little to stop Edenborough`s equaliser when the former Swindon Supermarine goal-getter netted with a sublime finish after receiving Wood`s inch perfect pass. Good vision by Wood soon after the goal picked-out Watts but the youngster was unable to get a decent strike on the ball with only Coleman in his sights. With the game moving into stoppage-time, Sawyer prevented Stourbridge from snatching a late equaliser when he superbly saved Billingham`s free-kick diving full stretch to his right when the ball looked destined to find the roof of the net.

EVESHAM UNITED:
Sawyer, Sauntson (Jackson 45), Wellon, Wilson (Harding 71), Sysum, Dovey, Evans (Tambling 67), Drake (Wood 45), Smith (Watts 50), Edenborough, Slack (Kennedy 45).
Subs not used: Saunders, Goddard and Baldwin.

REFEREE: Mr D.Eaton (Tewkesbury)

ATTENDANCE: 154


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