ADAM Mann scored twice to keep Evesham United's play-off push alive in a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Tiverton Town at the Jubilee Stadium.

Sharp-shooter Mann bagged a late brace, the second a penalty just three minutes from time, to make it five straight wins and just two defeats in 21 Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West games for the Robins.

In a tense affair, the visitors went ahead on 10 minutes when United's defence failed to deal with Joe Perry's huge punt upfield, allowing Levi Landricombe to fire beyond advancing keeper Kevin Sawyer.

United's Jake Sloggett and Matt Sysum sent headers over and Lance Smith had his shot blocked before Lewis Binns smacked the bar and Landricombe did likewise at the other end before the break.

Seven minutes into the second half, Tiverton squandered a glorious chance when James Richards blasted his spot-kick against the woodwork after Landricombe was fouled in the box by Will Wellon.

The miss proved costly on the hour when Sloggett broke down the right and centred to Binns, who beat Perry with a first-time drive into the roof of the net.

Ten minutes remained when United took the lead courtesy of Mann, who smashed the ball home from close range after Sysum headed down Jared Wilson's corner.

Ethan Phillips levelled with a fierce shot three minutes later that Sawyer could not keep out but the drama continued leading up to United's winning goal in the 87th minute.

The hard-working Smith was fouled in the area by Mike Williams and Mann converted from 12 yards to make it 3-2 with his 23rd goal of the season.

United held their nerve to clock up a fourth league double of the season.

Manager Collicutt said: "We were made to work hard for the victory by a strong Tiverton side but we kept our shape and discipline and over the 90 minutes we deserved the win.

"It`s another important three points and I`m pleased with that. We didn't make the best of starts but the turning point for me was the penalty miss. It spurred us on and we went from strength to strength.

"Next up is a massive test for us at title contenders Cinderford Town (on Saturday at 3pm), who are unbeaten at home this season, and hopefully we'll take a good following with us."

United: Sawyer, Dovey, Stanley (Green 65), Wilson, Sysum, Wellon, Sloggett (Brown 76), Williams, Mann, Smith (Modest 87), Binns. Subs not used: Chambers, Harding.

Attendance: 260.