Andrew Hall’s 5th minute goal was enough to send Evesham United crashing out of the FA Carlsberg Trophy at Evo-Stik Northern First Division South Stamford.  Hill’s early strike settled the Preliminary Round tie in favour of the ‘Daniels’ in a game that struggled to get out of second gear.

United dominated possession especially after half-time but once again  in front of goal proved the Robins downfall.  A misunderstanding in midfield led to Stamford scoring the only goal.  Jordan Smith took full advantage before supplying a cross to Hall whose well struck shot beat keeper Dean Coleman from the edge of the area.  Defences were on top for the remainder of the first half with clearcut chances at both ends hard to come by.  Although United did have good shouts for a penalty turned down when Lee Osborne appeared to be pulled down in the box by Robbie Maddox.

Evesham were on the front foot for most of the second half but failed to trouble Matt Fin;ay on his debut in the Stamford goal.  Striker Marcus Palmer squandered a couple of half chances as United finished with a flurry but Stamford easily held on to book their place at home to Kidsgrove Athletic in the First Qualifying Round.

Evesham Utd: Coleman, Williams, Hyde, Eze, Robinson, Warmer, Downing, Hicks, Palmer, Tulloch (Polan 60), Osborne (Connor 60)

Subs not used: Wilson, Clarke, Elmes

Referee: J. Turner (Walpole St. Andrew)

Attendance: 152