HOSTS Evesham United impressed in their first pre-season friendly despite missing out on the Carl Lewis Memorial Trophy.

League Two side Newport County retained the cup with a 4-2 success in front of 161 fans but striker Lance Smith shone for the Robins with two goals, heading in a Ben Evans corner and burying a free-kick.

Evesham have added left-back Lewis Binns from Bishops Cleeve and re-signed striker Kevin Slack from Shortwood United.

Winger Evans, midfielder Nathan Jackson and Michael Tambling have all extended their stays.

The Robins host Gloucester in a friendly tomorrow night (7.45pm) and Cheltenham on Saturday (3pm) before visiting Ledbury next Tuesday (7.30pm).

United will entertain Kidsgrove in the FA Cup preliminary round on August 30 and could entertain Redditch at the next stage if they win.

They are at home to Banbury in the FA Trophy first qualifying round on November 1.