Two penalties converted by impressive midfielder Leigh Downing ensured Evesham a deserved victory over Evo-Stik Northern League South, Sutton Coldfield Town at the Spiers & Hartwell Jubilee Stadium.
Matt Clarke’s side remain unbeaten in eight pre-season friendlies with preparations for the new campaign now almost complete. Both sides had penalty appeals tuned down before Sutton went closest when Scott Rickards struck a post after rounding keeper Dean Coleman on the half hour. A period of pressure ended with Evesham taking the lead nine minutes before half-time, Matt Jackson handled Luke Corbett’s shot in the box and Downing easily converted from the spot. Simeon Tulloch drew applause before the break beating four defenders on a mazy run before dragging his shot inches wide.
United were awarded a second penalty early after the re-start when Roly Agbor was pulled down inside the area and Downing sent Royal’s keeper Paul Hathaway the wrong way from 12 yards. Evesham dominated the rest of the game with Corbett twice and Agbor forcing Hathaway to make excellent saves and then Jamie Hyde firing across the face of the goal with no Evesham player on hand to force the ball home.
Evesham United: Coleman (Obiaumbi 80), Wilson (Williams 64), Hyde, Rhodes (Eze 64), Robinson (Hutchinson 80), Warmer, Downing (Mackenzie 64), Gwynne (Connor 64), Corbett, Agbor (Jones 80), Palmer (Tulloch 30).
Referee: S. Oakey (Cheltenham)
Attendance: 90
