Before today’s game the two sides were separated by just two places in the Southern League Division One South. The reverse fixture earlier in the season saw Evesham take a 1-0 victory, in a very even game.
Bideford gave Evesham an early scare when George Nancekivell’s shot looked goal bound, only to be denied by the Evesham skipper & eventual Man of The Match Adam Mace headed the ball off the line. In the 13th minute a Tom Chamberlain corner required the Bideford keeper’s assistance to tip the ball over the bar.
It was the home side that applied the pressure as the first half continued. Adam Seedhouse-Evans in the Bideford goal was by far the busiest of the two keepers. A save at full stretch denied Jack Horrell, followed by an easier stop from Brandon Smalley.
Three minutes of intense pressure from Evesham saw a Callum Clayton header deflected round the post. Smalley was denied a goal twice in a minute, the first was another excellent save, the second saw the ball headed off the line.
The second 45 was a much more equal affair until the 70th minute, Evesham’s Tom Chamberlain was shown his second yellow card, ending the match as a contest.
Bideford were unable to make the man advantage work for them, so with neither side being able to find their opponent’s net it was points shared, the price that’s paid for missing chances.
Prior to the game there was a minute’s silence for long time Evesham fan, Rob Sexton. This was followed by a minute’s applause for local Rugby player Jack Jeffery when the referee paused the game in the 11th minute.
Evesham United: L Clayton, Lymn, Mace©, Prictor, Pepera, C Clayton, Belmonte, Chamberlain, Smalley, Gray (Djurovic 60), Horrell. Subs Not Used: Hunt, Sheehan, Keightley, Geddes
Attendance: 209
Photos by Stuart Purfield
