Evesham made the long trek to Devon and contrived to make it seven league wins in a row with a hard fought 2-1 victory against Barnstaple Town at Mill Road in the Evo-Stik Southern South & West Division. United fell behind to an early goal but hit back through leading scorer Lance Smith with his 15th goal of the campaign and Mark Magee to clinch another valuable three points to remain firmly entrenched in a play-off place. The Robins were dealt a blow on the morning of the game when midfielder Louis McGrory who joined in midweek on a month`s loan from National League side Forest Green Rovers cried off through illness.
Manager Paul Collicutt was also without Jordan Bryan, Sam Pearson, Will Wellon and Elliot Kennedy while Ashley Williams began a three match suspension. And on a threadbare substitutes bench, reserve goalkeeper Sam Gilder was named on the team sheet as an outfield player. United created the first chance with Lorcan Sheehan sending a free-kick just wide with goalkeeper Steve Oliver rooted to his line. But in Barnstaple`s first attack in the 12th minute, central defender
James Mayne bundled the ball over the line after a cross from left had caused a goalmouth scramble in the United box. It took just four minutes, however, for United to draw level when
Magee and Paul Fahy combined to open up the Town defence and despite a challenge by Liam Gregory on Smith that left the United striker on the ground he was still able to scoop the ball into the roof of the net past Oliver. Skipper Linden Dovey glanced Sheehan`s corner just over and Adam
Mann saw his free-kick well saved by Oliver after Fahy had burst clean through only to be pulled down by last man Mayne who was fortunate to receive just a booking. Leading up to the break Nick Stanley came to United`s rescue with a last-ditch block to keep out substitute Scott Sharp whose shot was arrowed towards goal.
Magee grabbed winner
Kicking down the slope United continued to look the better side after half-time, although Sharp should have done better for the hosts firing into the arms of Kevin Sawyer when well placed. But with the second-half approaching its midway point, United delighted their travelling supporters by scoring the winning goal. Mann did all the hard work to create the chance for Magee and hissh ot took a deflection of Aaron Harper-Penman before finding the net with Oliver going the wrong way.
By now the tiring Barnstaple defence was being torn apart by United`s pace and movement and before the end Magee went close to scoring a third but pulled his shot just wide after great work down the left by youngster Jake Sloggett.
Collicutt said after the game, “We won ugly today but it was a very pleasing result. The pitch was bobbly and Barnstaple were physical and direct, so we had to show a different side to our game.
“I learned a lot about the lads and it was a very good three points, especially as on the way down the coach was playing up and we didn`t know if we`d make it!”
UNITED:
Sawyer, Dovey, Stanley, Turley, Harding, Sheehan, Fahy, Magee, Smith (Odiero 78), Mann, Binns (Sloggett 87).
Sub not used; Gilder
Referee: Mr T.Burley (Falmouth)
Attendance: 187
