Match Report & Pictures: Evesham Utd 0 vs Didcot Town 1

Evesham went down to a disappointing defeat against Didcot Town in the Evo-Stik South & West Division and were forced to play most of the second half with ten-men after leading scorer Lance Smith was sent-off for collecting two yellow cards. It was a frustrating afternoon for the Red and Whites and Smith in particular, who spurned United`s best chance of the game inside the opening minute and then went to get his marching orders just after half-time.

United struggled to get out of second gear in a game dominated by defences and clear cut chances few and far between. Smith`s early miss proved costly when from Lewis Binns` cross his downward header bounced over the crossbar with only Leigh Bedwell to beat. Moments later, Binns got down the left again but from another inviting cross no colleague gambled at the back post and the ball flashed across the face of goal and away to safety. The rest of the half was a tepid affair and crept by tediously with neither keeper being called upon to make a save.

The pattern of the game, however, changed dramatically during the opening exchanges of the second half. Smith who had already been booked in the first half, repeated his actions with a challenge on Marvin Martin and was immediately dismissed by referee, Scott Postin. Shortly after Smith`s rush of blood, United were punished again when Didcot grabbed the only goal of the game. There appeared no danger when Graham Edney collected the ball 30 yards out but the midfielder unleashed a tremendous drive that flew past the diving Kevin Sawyer into the roof of the net. United`s ten-men pressed for an equaliser but to no avail. Captain Matt Sysum returning from suspension did have his header shoveled off the line by Kieran Collins but that was about it. Despite a flurry of late corners and free-kicks, Bedwell was never tested. The closest United came to salvaging a draw arrived courtesy of Didcot defender Adam Learoyd whose sliced clearance wrong-footed Bedwell but rolled wide of the stopper`s left-hand post.

EVESHAM UNITED:
Sawyer, Dovey, Stanley (Wilson 75), Williams, Sysum, Wellon, Sloggett (Modest 60), Wood (Brown 77), Mann, Smith, Binns.
Sub not used: Taylor

Referee: Mr S.Postin (Coventry)

Attendance: 263