Evesham head into the final week of the season knowing that it`s still possible to clinch fifth spot in the Evo-Stik Southern South & West play-offs. Victory for Paul Collicutt`s men in the last game at Marlow and two defeats for Winchester would leave both sides level on 81 points with United holding a better goal difference. Winchester go to Slimbridge in midweek and finish at Shortwood on Saturday. United concluded their home fixtures with a narrow 1-0 victory over North Leigh who themselves had their play-off hopes dashed last month. Heavy overnight rain and early morning snow forced a midday inspection but thanks to the hard work of the United ground staff, the game was given the green light.
The visitors made a bright start with leading scorer Jamie Cook trying his luck from distance and United`s Matt Sysum making an important last-ditch tackle on Callum McNish to sniff out the danger. At the other end Carl Brown`s header went close after neat skills by Clayton Green before what turned out to be the winning goal arrived on 19 minutes. Karnell Chambers made ground down the right and showed great desire to get into the box before firing past James Foster into the far corner. The goal boosted United who moments later went close to adding a second but Foster made a superb reflex save at his near post to deny the hardworking Ashley Williams.
The second half continued with United doing the pressing and probing but the Millers always looked sprightly on the break with Sam Elkins testing Kevin Sawyer who produced a wonderful save to keep United`s lead intact. The experienced stopper then got a fingertip to McNish`s drive as North Leigh enjoyed their best period in the game. Back came United with Green heading wide and leading scorer Adam Mann going close to adding to his 31 goals this season. After this United shut up shop and North Leigh created little, but in injury-time United breathed a sigh of relief when Cook`s header beat Sawyer but came back off a post before being cleared. United gaffer Collicutt said afterwards, “I was looking for a reaction after the Bishops Cleeve result and I was pleased with the positive
response. Our work ethic and desire was there and we played some good football going forward.” He added, ” I was chuffed for young Karnell who scored his first goal for us, he`s still learning and looks an exciting prospect. We are focussed on keeping the season alive, it`s a glimmer of hope but we`re still in there and concentrate our energy on Marlow this Saturday.”
UNITED:
Sawyer, Dovey, Stanley, Harding, Sysum, Wellon, Chambers, Williams (Wood 69), Mann, Brown (Modest 80), Green (Sloggett 76).
Sub not used: Thompson
Referee: Mr P.Hardisty (Dudley)
Attendance: 329
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