Evesham turned the form book upside down to beat play-off hopefuls Cambridge City and keep their slim survival hope alive. The odds are stacked against Matt Clarke’s side avoiding the drop despite ending their six year groundshare at St Georges Lane on a high with one of their best performances under Clarke’s leadership. United went into the game looking for their first win in nine games, while Cambridge arrived protecting a seven match unbeaten run. But it was Evesham who dominated throughout and deservedly took maximum points off a side pushing for a runners-up spot. United set their stall out from the start creating three good opportunities inside the opening quarter of an hour. Henry Eze and Roland Agbor were off target and then Ben Pugh had his effort cleared off the line by Pat Bexfield.
Despite Evesham doing all the pressing it was Cambridge who broke away to take a 36th minute lead. A mix-up at the back resulted in Craig Wilding bringing down Lee Clift in the box and leading scorer Craig Hammond made no mistake from the spot. United needed a quick response and got it within two minutes courtesy of skipper Wayne Daniel. The Supporters Player of the Season rose unchallenged to head home Neil MacKenzie’s pinpoint free-kick at the bakc post.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with Evesham calling the tune and going close through Wilding’s header and Tasker’s drive. United’s persistence finally paid off with the winning goal twenty minutes from time. Agbor collected the ball out wide before cutting inside and curling a delightful shot passed keeper Zac Barrett, Cambridge played out the final nine minutes with ten men following the dismissal of last man Dave Theobold was brought down Pugh from behind after the United striker got clean through on goal.
Evesham: Platt, Wilson, Tasker, Eze, Daniel, Connor, Ardallany, Mackenzie, Wilding, Pugh, Agbor. Subs not used: Wood, Clarke, Bartlam
Attendance: 123
