Evesham United made it one defeat in 27 games and nine wins in a row with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Tiverton Town at the Jubilee Stadium. The win leaves Evesham in third place, but to secure second on the last day of the season need to better Stratford Town’s result. The Robins travel to Bridgwater Town and Stratford visit champions Merthyr Town.
Missing ever reliable Kevin Sawyer with a bad back, Paul Collicutt drafted in ex Bishops Cleeve stopper Jonathan Skeen.
In front of a crowd of 408, Evesham put in a lacklustre performance in the first half. In the 18th minute good work down the left by Lee Smith saw his cross flash across the six yard box, but there was no one who could get a touch.
It was the visitors who took the lead in the 25th minute with their only chance of the first half when defensive uncertainty down the middle led to Tony Lee profiting and scoring simply into an empty net.
Evesham responded just after the half hour when a shot on the turn from Carl Brown was tipped over the bar by Tiverton goalkeeper Chris Wright.
Just before half time Marcus Jackson crossed for Adam Mann whose shot just went over the bar. Carl Brown then had a header that went close from a Nick Stanley free kick.
Sysum scored equaliser
Evesham started the second half on the front foot and it was no surprise in the 52nd minute when the home side equalised following a pass from Marcus Jackson that was hooked in by captain Matt Sysum.
The game then settled into a long period of stalemate with Evesham showing a little more attacking intent and Tiverton happy enough to wait for the break.
In the 79th minute, a Sean Wood free kick found Matt Sysum whose free header went wide. Two minutes later came the decisive moment of the game when Sysum set up Lance Smith who showed good control to score from eight yards, his fourth goal in four games.
The unbeaten run now stretches to fourteen matches. The home play-off match will be on Tuesday 28th April against either Taunton Town or Larkhall Athletic.
Evesham United: Skeen, Jackson, Stanley, Harding, Sysum, Dovey, Lance Smith, Brown (Wood 62), Edenborough (Knowles 83), Mann, Lee Smith (Washbourne 66),
Subs not used: Wellon, Wilson
Referee: Mr P. Hardistry (Dudley)
Attendance: 408
Photos by Stuart Purfield here
In other news, Evesham United Reserves secured a 1-0 victory at Lichfield City Reserves.
The Evesham United Supporters Club announced their Player of the Year after the game and it was given to goalkeeper Kevin Sawyer.
0 Comments