Evesham ended a run of nine League and Cup games without a win with victory over in-form Shortwood United in the Evo-Stik Southern South & West Division. The all important goal was scored by the on-loan Gloucester City striker Adam Mann who found the net against one of his former clubs with just ten minutes on the clock. Suspensions ruled out ever-present goalkeeper Kevin Sawyer and skipper Matt Sysum, forcing Robin`s manager Paul Collicutt to draft in 20-year-old stopper Daniel Keir from Conference North Worcester City for his debut.
Shortwood who were defending a nine-match unbeaten run, succumbed to the game`s only goal when the impressive Mann got on the end of Jared Wilson`s threaded pass and buried an exquisite finish beyond the diving Tom King. Keir almost gifted Shortwood an equaliser when he failed to grasp Sam Rawling`s cross but Liam Harding was on hand to deny Marley Thomas with a brave last-ditch tackle in front of an open goal. United had another let-off when Josh Egan`s free-kick crashed against the crossbar with Keir beaten and then at the opposite end Wood defender Jake Lee prevented full-back Will Wellon from making it 2-0 when he cleared off the line just past the half-hour mark. Defences dominated leading up to half-time with neither goal-keeper being seriously tested.
Harding impressive display
The second-half belonged to Evesham who were in charge of possession and looked watertight at the back, ably led by youngster Liam Harding who was again outstanding at the heart of the United back-four. The hardworking Ashley Edenborough, Kevin Slack and Mann all went close as Evesham continued to impress. A late rally by the visitors, however, saw Keir save low down to gather Egan`s free-kick and despite a nervy last few moments, Harding and company stood firm to finally get a win on the board at the tenth time of asking.
EVESHAM UNITED: Keir, Wilson, Wellon, Drake (Wood 70), Harding, Dovey, Jackson, Stanley (Brown 63), Edenborough, Mann, Slack (Washbourne 78).
SUBS NOT USED: Binns and Smith
REFEREE: Mr J.Whittington (Worcester)
ATTENDANCE: 209
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