A MUCH-changed Evesham United side put in a spirited display at Premier Division high-fliers Leamington before bowing out of the Southern League Challenge Cup 4-1 at the Phillips 66 UK Community Stadium.

Manager Paul Collicutt was without a number of regulars ahead of Saturday's FA Trophy tie at Shortwood United (3pm) and, up to half-time with the score at 1-1, there was little to choose between the sides.

But Leamington were handed a soft goal immediately after the break and went on to comfortably book their place in the second round.

United made the early running with Lance Smith having an effort charged down and then he pulled his shot wide after a poor clearance from Brakes keeper Tony Breeden.

A decent passage of play, however, by the hosts resulted in Ben George finding space in the United box on 16 minutes and drilling past Sam Gilder, who lost his footing at the crucial moment.

The lead lasted just four minutes when the unmarked Elliot Kennedy drove in the equaliser from eight yards after Breeden saved well from the impressive Jordan Bryan.

Shortly afterwards, Kennedy showed good control to unleash a first-time shot that beat the diving Breeden but nestled into the side-netting.

Despite both sides having chances, there was no more scoring before the interval but United were caught cold soon after the resumption when sloppy play allowed the experienced Ryan Rowe the simple task of putting Leamington 2-1 in front.

United responded at the opposite end with the hard-working Smith lobbing the ball just wide with Breeden beaten.

But after this Leamington went on to look the sharper of the two sides and added a couple more goals before the end.

With 56 minutes on the clock, Courtney Baker-Richardson burst through unchallenged and planted a firm drive past Gilder.

On the stroke of full-time, Tom James completed the scoring with the best goal of the game, beating several United defenders before firing home beyond the helpless Gilder.

United now turn their attentions to Shortwood with a home tie against Frome Town awaiting the winners in the first qualifying round.

Evesham: Gilder, Harding, Stanley, B Williams, Sysum, A Williams, Kennedy (Sloggett 61), Bryan (Mann 45), Smith, Magee (Binns 61), Fahy. Subs not used: Sheehan, Turley.

Attendance: 218.