New signing Dan Macdonald made an instant impact coming off the bench to earn United a draw at the Loop Meadow Stadium in the Evo-Stik Southern South & West Division. The second half substitute who joined from Welsh League Division One side Monmouth Town in midweek was quickest to react when the ball arrived from Clayton Green`s cross and the former Aston Villa youngster confidently lashed the ball home for a deserved equaliser six minutes from time. It was no more than Paul Collicutt`s side deserved, they played Didcot off the park but once again failed to convert a bucketload of chances into goals.
Dan Macdonald scored on debut
For the first time in four games, Collicutt was forced to alter his starting line-up with midfielder Ashley Williams coming in for the injured Matt Sysum. Straight from the kick-off Didcot had no answer to United`s free-flowing football and home keeper Leigh Bedwell who had an inspired game between the sticks, was soon called upon to make a smart double-save to keep out the hardworking Nick Stanley. United had penalty appeals turned down when Adam Mann went to ground under a heavy challenge in the Didcot box and then strikes by Louis McGrory and George Washbourne were well saved by Bedwell as United continued to bombard the Didcot goal. At the other end, United were given a fright when Mark Francis found the net but Didcot`s celebrations were cut short when his header was disallowed for offside.
It remained goalless until half-time but United came out with all guns blazing in the second half and it didn`t take long for Lance Smith to go close when his header smacked against the crossbar with Bedwell beaten. Mann and Sean Wood were both denied by the overworked Bedwell, but out of the blue Didcot took a shock 80th minute leadwhen Francis capitalised on a mistake at the back to bundle the ball over the line. However, within five minutes United were back on level terms thanks to Macdonald`s well struck debut goal and then in stoppage time United were denied a dramatic late winner when Green`s header rattled the woodwork before having the danger cleared.
EVESHAM UNITED:
Sawyer, McGrory, Wellon, Williams, Harding, Dovey, Smith (Macdonald 58), Wood, Mann, Stanley (Green 71), Washbourne (Jackson 74).
SUBS NOT USED: Slack, Brown
REFEREE: Mr J.Robinson (Southampton)
ATTENDANCE: 135
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