EVESHAM United chalked up an important 2-0 victory in their Southern League Division One South and West play-off quest in the Bank Holiday Monday fixture with neighbours Bishops Cleeve.

A strong second-half display from the hosts, who are eight points off the play-offs with five games left, led to two late goals to beat a spirited and hard-working Cleeve side.

In front of United's biggest league crowd of the season at the Jubilee Stadium of 400, the Mitres defended well and made it a tricky afternoon for former manager Paul Collicutt's side.

The visitors made the early running with Elliot Kennedy, one of Cleeve's ex-Evesham players, pulling his shot wide after a mistake by Will Wellon.

United created a few opportunities with Ashley Williams dragging his shot wide and a Karnell Chambers header was well held by keeper Sam Gilder.

Robins keeper Kevin Sawyer comfortably held Aaron Drake's effort in a goalless opening half.

United began the second period with the wind at their backs but Cleeve blew the best chance when Jack Horrell blazed over after good work by Jack Watts.

Evesham substitute Carl Brown prodded wide with the goal at his mercy after neat skills by Adam Mann.

United enjoyed their best spell and finally unlocked Cleeve 12 minutes from time.

Gilder could only punch Nick Stanley's corner as far as Williams, whose first-time drive fizzed into the roof of the net.

Six minutes later, substitute Jake Sloggett paved the way for Linden Dovey to burst into the box and rifle a low drive past Gilder for his first goal of the season.

Collicutt said: "Bishops Cleeve are an improving side who work very hard for each other.

"But in the end I felt we did enough to win and the boys deserve a pat on the back for picking up two good wins and six points over the Bank Holiday.

"It was a bit scrappy at times but we finished the stronger and scored two very good goals."

Evesham host mid-table Mangotsfield United on Saturday (3pm).

United: Sawyer, Dovey, Green, Wood (Stanley 73), Sysum, Wellon, Chambers, Williams, Mann, Modest (Brown 63), Binns (Sloggett 65). Subs not used: Thompson, Harding.