Second half goals by Mark Magee and Adam Mann ensured Evesham a third consecutive victory in the local derby with Bishops Cleeve at Kayte Lane. United remain in a final play-off spot in the Evo-Stik Southern South & West Division after a comfortable 2-0 win and chalk-up a fifth league double of the campaign.

It was never going to be pretty in the blustery wind and on a bobbly pitch, but at this stage of the season it`s results that count for Paul Collicutt`s side but thanks to a strong second half performance United deservedly came away with all three points and in the process kept a second successive clean sheet.

Former Cleeve boss Collicutt welcomed back midfielder Archie Haskayne from a three-match ban but was still without the services of seven of his players through injury and suspension. The first half was a scrappy affair with the tricky conditions playing a part, the best chance fell United`s way soon after the start when Bradley Gray`s fierce drive was well saved by Matt Wieczorek diving to his right. Wieczorek did well to hold Liam Harding`s header and down the opposite end Jacob Davidge`s overhead kick sailed over but not surprisingly half-time arrived with the scoreline blank.

Magee scored against former club

United came out for the second half with all guns blazing and took the lead within three minutes of the re-start, with former Mitre Magee getting the final touch to Mann`s drive and divert the ball beyond Wieczorek. The goal changed the whole complexion of the game with United taking control and going on to dominate the rest of the proceedings. Gray got on the end of Nick Stanley`s cross and looked certain to score but Wieczorek somehow kept the ball out before having the danger cleared. Magee scooped his shot over and then Wieczorek was at full stretch to brilliantly touch Jordan Bryan`s drive onto the crossbar as United continued to press for a second goal to put the game to bed.

In a rare Cleeve attack Davidge did force Kevin Sawyer into making a decent save but with 75 minutes on the clock the hardworking Mann bagged his 11th goal of the season with a clinical finish past Wieczorek after latching onto Chris Pate`s misplaced header. In stoppage-time United were caught napping when James Baldwin found space down the right but the Cleeve substitute dragged his effort wide with only Sawyer in his sights. United finished on the attack with Magee and the tricky Garyn Preen getting in shots and Wieczorek again doing well to hold onto Mann`s volley that looked to be heading for the top corner.

Collicutt was happy to come away with the three points and said afterwards, “Cleeve is never an easy place to go but I thought we were always in control and thoroughly deserved the win. They were always going to make life difficult for us but on the day I felt we were the better side and put in a professional performance. “We knew what we had to do and a good second half display won it for us. We`ve now won three on the bounce which is pleasing and to keep another clean sheet was the icing on the cake. “We have to deal with each game at a time and not look too far ahead. I am really pleased with the attitude of the players at the minute and we now have seven cup finals to come starting with Swindon Supermarine at home on Wednesday.”

UNITED:

Sawyer, Dovey, Stanley, Bryan, Harding, Williams (Sheehan 79), Preen, Gray (Fahy 69), Magee, Mann, Binns (Haskayne 45).

Subs not used: Wood, Gilder

Referee: Mr S.Robertson                              

Attendance: 205