Evesham United were held to a goalless draw by a spirited Fleet Town side in the Calor League Division One South & West. The point at Calthorpe Park stretched United`s unbeaten run to four games and a second successive clean sheet for dependable goalkeeper John Bateman.
Paul Collicutt`s side dominated the game throughout but were unable to convert numerous chances into goals. Fleet who included five debutants in their line-up were on the back foot from the off with United having the sloping pitch in their favour. Lance Smith firing in a cross-shot that was only just wide and the dangerous Carl Brown had his goalbound drive deflected over after good work by Jared Wilson down the right. Home keeper Ryan Pryce made a couple of good punches under pressure but could only stand and watch Mitchell Botfield`s free-kick flash just wide. Pryce was then at full stretch to deny the hardworking Neil Barnfield.
Bateman – Two clean sheets in a row
Despite kicking up the slope, the second-half saw much of the same with United piling on the pressure. Fleet were content to defend in numbers as opportunities continued to fall the Robin`s way. The returning Marcus Palmer caused problems with his pace after coming on for Brown and twice went close and then forced Pryce into making a fine save at his near post.
With United pushing hard to make the breakthrough, Bateman made an important stop at the other end after Alex Charlick had got clear on the left. Play soon switched back in the Fleet half with Palmer again going near after a strong run into the Fleet box and James Vercesi sending over a teasing cross that was unable to be turned in at the back post. Fleet then fired a couple of warning signs when Simba Mlambo and substitute Josh Gregory both volleyed high and wide when well placed but it was United who went on to finish the game the stronger but late pressure failed to produce a goal the performance merited.
EVESHAM UNITED:
Bateman, Wilson, Mansell, Barnfield, Dovey, Axton, Jackson, Botfield (Tambling 79), Smith (Kennedy 56), Vercesi, Brown (Palmer 68).
SUB NOT USED: Davis
REFEREE : Mr E.Moore (High Wycombe)
ATTENDANCE 87
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