A much changed Evesham side put in a spirited display against Evo-Stik Premier Division high-flyers Leamington before bowing out of the Southern League Challenge Cup at the Phillips66 UK Community Stadium. Manager Paul Collicutt was without a number of regulars ahead of Saturday`s important FA Trophy tie with Shortwood United and up to half-time with the score at 1-1, there was little to choose between the two sides.
But Leamington were handed a soft goal immediately after the break and went on to comfortably book their place in the Second Round. United made the early running with Lance Smith, who has pledged his future with the club after turning down a move to Hednesford Town, having an effort charged down and then he pulled his shot wide after a poor clearance from Brakes goalkeeper Tony Breeden.
A decent passage of play, however, by the home side resulted in Ben George on 16 minutes finding space in the United box and drilling past Sam Gilder who lost his footing at the crucial moment for 1-0. The lead lasted just four minutes when the unmarked Elliot Kennedy drove in the equaliser from eight yards after Breeden had saved well from the impressive Jordan Bryan. Shortly afterwards, Kennedy showed good control to unleash a first-time shot that beat the diving Breeden but nestled into the side netting.
Despite both sides having chances, there was no more scoring before the interval but United were caught cold soon after the resumption when sloppy play allowed the experienced Ryan Rowe the simple task of putting Leamington 2-1 in front. United responded at the opposite end with the hardworking Smith lobbing the ball just wide with Breeden beaten. But after this Leamington went on to look the sharper of the two sides and added a couple more goals before the end. With 56 minutes on the clock, Courtney Baker-Richardson burst through unchallenged and planted a firm drive past Gilder to make it 3-1 to Paul Holleran`s side. Then on the stroke of full time, Tom James completed the scoring with the best goal of the game beating several United defenders before firing home beyond the helpless Gilder.
United now turn their attentions to Shortwood with a home tie with Frome Town awaiting the winners in the First Qualifying Round.
UNITED:
Gilder, Harding, Stanley, B.Williams, Sysum, A.Williams, Kennedy (Sloggett 61) Bryan (Mann 45), Smith, Magee (Binns 61), Fahy.
Subs not used: Sheehan, Turley
Referee: Mr M.Howes
Attendance: 218
Video here
