George Washbourne`s first-half goal was enough to send underdogs Evesham United into the next round of the FA Cup after beating Southern League Premier Division Redditch United in a First
Qualifying Round replay at the Valley Stadium. The Robins now travel to another Premier Division side Histon in the Second Qualifying Round on Saturday 27th September.
Redditch, who went into the game as firm favourites after holding Evesham to a goalless draw at the Jubilee Stadium two days earlier, were lucky not to fall behind after just eight minutes. The hardworking Lance Smith burst into the box only to be hauled down by Bradley Catlow. The Red`s keeper, however, made amends by superby saving Jared Wilson`s penalty kick. The miss didn`t deter Paul Collicutt`s men who went on to score what turned out to be the winning goal on 22 minutes. A good build-up down the left ended with Washbourne slicing through the Redditch defence before planting a low drive past Catlow. With skipper Matt Sysum and Linden Dovey outstanding at the heart of Evesham`s defence, the Redditch strikeforce of Jermaine Hylton and Jamie Molyneux were rarely given a look-in.
Sysum: Outstanding Display
The second-half followed a similar pattern with Evesham well worth their lead and looking dangerous on the break. Indeed, Smith went close to adding a second for the visitors on the hour when he touched Sean Wood`s flag-kick just wide at the near post. As the game entered its final quarter, Redditch pressed for an equaliser but due to excellent defending by Sysum and Co. failed to create a clear-cut chance. A succession of corners by the Red`s came to nothing and apart from Ashley Sammon`s free-kick that was safely gathered by the reliable Kevin Sawyer at his near post, the Red and Whites saw out the remainder of the game for a memorable victory to the delight of their band of supporters.
EVESHAM UNITED:
Sawyer, Wilson, Binns, Wood, Sysum, Dovey (Wellon 60), Kennedy (Watts 73), Drake, Smith, Brown, Washbourne (Tambling 80).
SUBS NOT USED: Harding, Goddard
REFEREE: Mr E.Smart (Birmingham)
ATTENDANCE: 279
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