Evesham’s first game at their Spiers & Hartwell Jubilee Stadium ended in disappointment losing 3-0 to Blue Square Bet Premier Division Newport County in a pre-season friendly.  Newport in the process lifted the Carl Lewis Memorial Trophy played between the two sides in memory of the late life-long Exiles supporter who had family in both Evesham and Newport.

In an even opening it took 20 minutes for the first effort on goal, Evesham player-coach Neil MacKenzie having his free kick pushed aside by Joe Perry in the Newport goal.  But it was last season’s FA Trophy finalists who took the lead on 28 minutes, Lee Minshull delivered a low cross from the right which was converted by Jake Harris from close range.  Marcus Palmer and Jason Wellings created half chances for the Robins before Newport extended thier lead just before the hour.

Andy Sandell netted with a terrific free kick after Kerry Morgan had been fouled 25 yards out.  Newport took advantage of an experimental looking Evesham side in the second half by scroing a third 18 minutes from time.  Experienced substitute Jefferson Louis firing powerfully past youth team keeper Aaron Thomasson.  Evesham went close to pulling a goal back near the end when Henry Eze headed Lee Osborne’s free kick just wide at the back post.

Evesham United: Coleman, Wilson, Hyde, Rhodes, Robinson, Connor, MacKenzie, Wellings, Corbett, Tulloch, Palmer, Subs: Eze, Jones, Ardallany, Bartlam, Agbor, Osborne, Pugh, Hadley, Burness, Thomasson

Referee: Thomas Blanch (Cheltenham)

Attendance: 366

Watch highlights here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDfUhM75Zkk

 

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Pictures by Stuart Purfield