Ten man Evesham were unlucky to bow out of the Red Insure Cup 5-4 on penalties in the Preliminary Round at neighbours Bishops Cleeve. United lost Jared Wilson through injury in the second half having already used three substitutes and were forced to play the remainder of the tie a man short.
The game was level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, Leigh Downing’s spot-kick opening the scoring for Evesham before Mike Davis replied for the Villagers. The tie was then all square at 3-3 after extra-time. Marcus Palmer and Lee Osborne finding the net for the Robins with former Evesham youth teamer Will Gayton scoring twice for the home side.
In the penalty shoot-out the unfortunate Matt Williams had his hot saved by Cleeve keeper James Nortei to send the Villagers through.
Evesham Utd: Coleman, Hutchinson, Hyde (Wilson 70), Eze, Williams, Connor, Downing (Vernaschi 60), MacKenzie, Holgate (Palmer 60), Tulloch, Osborne
Subs not used: Babayo, Meredith
Referee: Mr John Law (Holt Heath)
Attendance: 55
