Despite missing a penalty and going down to ten men, Evesham United produced a an impressive performance to beat Bideford AFC and remain unbeaten since the opening day of the season. Midfielder Nick Stanley got his marching orders somewhat harshly, late in the first half but United re-grouped and deservedly bagged their second home win in the Evo-Stik Southern South & West Division. And all this after skipper Matt Sysum had fluffed a 27th minute spot-kick which was well saved by visiting keeper Josh Colwill.
Kennedy scored second goal
The game began at a breathtaking pace with chances galore and play continually switching from end to end. Stanley twice forced Colwill into making last-ditch saves with his legs and Sysum`s goalbound header was touched over by the alert stopper. There was more of the same at the opposite end as the returning Kevin Sawyer saved from Chris McGrath, son of former Aston Villa defender Paul and then Ben Watson and Kevin Squire both grazed the United woodwork when perhaps they should have done better. Bideford were then let off the hook following Sam Stephens handball in the box as Colwill was on his metal to made low save to deny Sysum from 12 yards. United, however, didn`t have to wait too long afterwards before taking a 1-0 lead. Lewis Binns and Elliot Kennedy combined together to give Paul Fahy the opportunity to beat Colwill with a well executed strike. Stanley was then shown a straight red for his challenge on Sean Downing to leave the Red and Whites with an uphill task to hang onto their one-goal lead.
Within six minutes of the re-start, the game took a further twist with United doubling their lead to 2-0. Adam Mann`s trickery on the edge of box picked out Kennedy who blasted beyond Colwill into the roof on the net. Bideford responded immediately with substitute Tom Moody crashing a shot against the United crossbar with Sawyer beaten. The visitors continued to press but with the United defence throwing their bodies on the line, clear cut chances never really materialised. Sawyer made routine stops to gather from replacement Steve Reed and Squire but it was United who came closest before the end courtesy of Joe Turley`s curler that flew just over with Colwill rooted to his line.
UNITED:
Sawyer, Dovey, Stanley, Turley, Sysum, Wellon, Kennedy (Bryan 66), A.Williams, Mann (Pearson 70), Fahy (Jeanne 83), Binns.
Subs not used: Sheehan, B.Williams
Referee: Mr S.Robertson (Catshill, Bromsgrove)
Attendance: 226
