The Robins made it three wins from three games in Evo-Stik League South Division One South, on a very tough afternoon at the Jubilee, managing what was at times a very nervous 1-0 victory against lowly Paulton Rovers.
The only goal of the game came in the second minute when Steve Davis and Joe Turley played a very neat one two before Turley put the ball into the back of the visitor’s net from 15 yards with his left foot, curling the ball passed Rob Brown in his opponents’ goal.
There were several opportunities for Evesham to extend their advantage in the first half, with a number of free kicks and corners which were taken by Nick Hancock, each one seemed to create confusion amongst the visitor’s defenders, the best of which saw Cory Simpson find the side netting in the 23rd minute. The remainder of the first half was a fairly even affair with the Robins looking the brightest of the two sides but were just unable to find the final ball.
Paulton seemed rejuvenated by the halftime break and started the better of the two sides, pressurising Evesham into several errors. Another opportunity came the way of the home side on 52 minutes when a good run by Steve Davis and a pass that found Will Tunnicliff whose shot sailed over the bar.
Another chance came on the hour when, yet another Nick Hancock free kick was met by Shane Anson’s head which unfortunately went just over the bar.
The visitors offered very little in the form of attacking football during the remainder of their visit to the Vale. A solid performance by the back four of Hancock, Tunnicliff, Anson and Wellon meant Paulton were restricted too just long-range efforts as the game wore on.
Despite some late pressure the visitors were unable to force an equalizer, and the three points came in the direction of Evesham. On the balance of play throughout the 90 minutes the 195 strong crowd would probably all agree a deserved result, albeit a none too convincing one.
Evesham Utd: Hannah, Hancock, Tunnicliff, Turley, Anson©, Wellon, Harding (Williams 73), Haskayne, Davies, Davidge (Thomas 77), C Simpson (Tucker-Dixon 80). Subs Not Used: Humphreys, K Simpson.
Paulton Rovers: Brown; Anderson, Laird, Tippins (Malpas 83), Prictor (Harvey 75), Withey, Hitchings, Monelle, Hillard (Lovibond 80), Gay, Ball.
