In a game that only went ahead after two pitch inspections, Evesham United returned from Cowbridge Road with all three Evo-Stik Southern South & West points thanks to Leigh Downing`s first-half strike. The talented midfielder struck on the half-hour to claim his 11th goal of the campaign and hand United their sixth away victory of the season.
Played in torrential rain, United bossed the opening half but found Magpies goalkeeper Dan Ackerman in top form. The Wimborne stopper was constantly in the thick of the action and his heroics prevented United from holding a commanding first-half lead. Luke Corbett twice, Downing, James Jones and James Blake were all denied and when Ackerman was beaten, Corbett`s delicate lob struck the underside of the crossbar. A period of sustained Evesham pressure was finally rewarded on 30 minutes. The ball was worked to Downing from the left and his low drive nestled in the bottom corner. Further chances fell to Jones and Corbett but Ackerman was again up to the task.
After the interval it was the turn of Ben McNamara to show his class on a greasy surface. The Robins keeper on-loan from Nuneaton Town, got important blocks to keep out Jamie Davidson and Shaun Brain and then showed fine reflexes late-on to safely gather close range efforts from Davidson and Matt Kemble. With the home side pressing for an equaliser it left holes at the back, first Jared Wilson rifled a shot into the side netting and then Ackerman was a full stretch to get a hand on Downing`s free-kick. A combination of Wimborne free-kicks and corners failed to produce a late leveller thanks to Evesham`s resolute rearguard superby marshalled by skipper Matt Sysum.
EVESHAM UNITED:
McNamara, Wilson, Mansell, Sysum, Jackson, J.Blake, Downing, Hyde, Corbett, Jones (Gould 74), Clarke.
Subs not used: Burness, Hitchman, A.Blake, Brassington.
REFEREE: Mr Ben Cobb (Poole)
ATTENDANCE: 187
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