EVESHAM United returned to winning ways with a 2-0 home triumph over lowly Barnstaple Town in Southern League Division One West.

Robins manager Paul Collicutt was looking for improvements from the previous weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Wimborne Town and the first half probably did nothing to change his mood.

Neither side seemed to want to take control of the game.

Evesham's first chance came in the seventh minute when Adam Mann put the ball just wide of the post with a trademark strike from the edge of the box.

Recent signing Ethan Moore then headed just wide from a Mann free-kick.

The north Devon visitors offered nothing in attack and appeared happy to sit back and defend, occasionally trying to hit Evesham on the break with a long ball.

As the first half closed out the home side were starting to get on top but the period saw a mere handful of chances created with unwavering defending from Barnstaple.

The hosts provided the 198 spectators with a much-improved performance in the second half with a lot more opportunities.

Lewis Powell headed over the bar while Moore and Mat Liddiard both had chances blocked.

The introduction of Bradley Gray looked like it could be the game changer as straight away he probed deep into the visitors' half with his efforts being rewarded in the 73rd minute.

A Gray corner from the right was met by Liddiard whose powerful header evaded all in yet another crowded Barnstaple box and the deadlock was finally broken.

Just four minutes later the same pair combined for second goal, this time from the opposite side of the pitch.

Gray’s free-kick from the left again found Liddiard who headed home for his and Evesham’s second goal.

Home keeper Kevin Sawyer did not have a single save to make.

Evesham: Sawyer, Dovey, Odeiro, A Williams (Sheehan 72), M Williams, Liddiard, Fahy (Gray 62), Mann, Moore, Powell, Binns (Brown 68). Subs not ised: Peel, Haskayne.