Match Report: North Leigh 1 vs Evesham Utd 2

Evesham`s in-form strikers Lance Smith and Adam Mann scored the goals to beat second- in- the- table North Leigh and make it four consecutive  victories in the Evo-Stik Southern South & West Division. It was another impressive display by United who became only the second side to win at Eynsham Park this season. Paul Collicutt named an unchanged eleven that trounced AFC Totton 6-0 last Saturday but the United boss can no longer call on the services of midfielder Louis McGrory as the youngster has returned to Forest Green Rovers after a three-month stint at the Jubilee Stadium.

Despite attacking up the slope in the first half, United bossed proceedings, particularly in midfield and deservedly took the lead on ten minutes. Sean Wood`s flag-kick on the right was met by the on-rushing Smith who powered a bullet header for 1-0 past keeper James Foster. United kept their foot firmly on the gas with Carl Brown and Mann both going close, but against the run of play and with their first effort on goal the home side drew level. A speculative shot by Morgan Williams who tried his luck from the edge of the box, took a wicked deflection past Kevin Sawyer and crept into the opposite corner of the net. Despite the setback, United always looked one-step ahead of their high-flying hosts and before half-time Mann who was unmarked in the box planted a diving header just wide and Foster had to be on his toes to keep out the hardworking Smith after North Leigh defender Sam Elkins had made a brave block to deny Clayton Green.

The second half followed the same pattern with United playing all the positive football and in the 58th minute deservedly bagged what was to be the winning goal. Smith not for the first time in the game, made a surging run into the box before finding the on-fire Mann, who clinically drilled home for his 9th goal of the season. United were given a fright when Zac Westlake`s header looked all over a `goal` but the athletic Sawyer spread himself superbly to somehow divert the ball over the crossbar with his outstretched foot. Late pressure by the Millers caused few alarms at the back for United with captain Matt Sysum magnificently organising his troops. Indeed, United could have added a couple more before the end but Smith fired into the sidenetting and Foster could only stand and watch when Green  fizzed a shot inches the wrong side of his upright.

REFEREE: Mr D.Wootton (Cheltenham)

ATTENDANCE: 99