Defensive lapses cost Evesham United and handed victory to Cirencester Town who moved to the top of the Calor League Division One South & West. Cirencester arrived at the Jubilee Stadium second in the table and boasting the league`s best away record with eight wins already under their belts.

Before the game United lost Neil Barnfield in the warm-up and sorely missed the sevices of the influential midfielder who picked-up a back injury. Cirencester kicked-off with a gale force wind behind them and took only four minutes to edge in front. John Bateman`s attempted clearance fell to James Mortimer-Jones whose deflected shot sailed into an unguarded net.
Evesham threatened briefly when Elliot Kennedy blazed over after showing a good turn of pace but it was Cirencester who scored again ten minutes before half-time. Lee Smith was brought down by Jared Wilson, who was lucky to escape with just a booking, in the box and Steve Davies confidently scored from the penalty spot.

Brown scored opener

Brown scored opener

It was a different story in the second-half with United upping their game and Cirencester content to defend in numbers to protect their 2-0 lead. Carl Brown got in a couple of early headers that rolled wide and then Shane Anson cleared off the line from Allton Axton. United`s pressure was finally rewarded on 74 minutes when following an Ed Williams corner the ball got played back in to Brown who swept home from ten yards. Evesham`s joy was short-lived when poor marking allowed Smith to take advantage and restore the Centrions two-goal lead with a firm drive past Bateman. United didn`t lie down and got another goal back with two minutes to go. Substitute Michael Tambling was bundled over in the penalty box by Ben Prictor, who got a second yellow for his actions allowing United skipper Richard Mansell to net from twelve yards. This set-up a tense finish but Cirencester wethered the storm to collect a hard fought league double and take over top spot from Merthyr Town.

EVESHAM UNITED:
Bateman, Wilson, Mansell, Botfield (Smith 64), Dovey, Axton, Kennedy (Tambling 87 ), Davis, Brown, Vercesi (Palmer 69), Williams.
SUBS NOT USED: Millard and Barnfather.

REFEREE: Mr C.Husband (Worcester)

ATTENDANCE: 223


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