EVESHAM United struggled for an end product despite lots of possession in losing their Evo-Stik Southern League opener.

The Robins went down 1-0 at promoted Melksham Town in Division One South to a first-half header.

Melksham then did enough to keep Paul Collicutt’s side at bay to make a fine start at the higher level.

Manager Collicutt had predicted the ambitious hosts would be among the top teams in the league this season before the clash.

But his regular play-off challengers are also one of the sides expected to be going for promotion.

Collicutt has again had to make changes to the squad with the likes of prolific forward Adam Mann (Bath City) and goal-scoring midfielder Mat Liddiard (Gloucester City) among others departing.

Summer signings Harvey Rivers, Nick Humphreys, Nathan Summers, Marley Thomas, Steve Davies and Cory Simpson were given starting roles in Wiltshire.

More than 400 people piled into the InfiLED Arena to watch the hosts take the lead in the 25th minute after Neikell Plummer nodded home.

But there was plenty of promise in Evesham’s display with Melksham manager Kieran Baggs admitting: “I think it is the best team performance that I have been a part of since I have been here. They’ll (Evesham) be there or thereabouts this season. They’re a top side.

“We deserved the win but they’re a good side and on another day the result could have gone a different way.”

Melksham, promoted after finishing second in the Western League Premier Division last season, only moved to their £7.3million stadium last year.

Evesham could have taken the lead when Simpson’s back-post header from Thomas’ cross was saved.

Rivers was forced into a stop at the other end and the Robins did not heed the warning as Plummer nodded home from close range on 25 minutes.

The hosts put another chance over and then Rivers was forced into a save from a quick break.

Simpson just missed a low cross from Thomas as Evesham threatened before half-time.

The Robins again enjoyed plenty of possession in the second period without creating enough chances.

Thomas had a shot headed clear and Simpson fired into the side-netting.

But Melksham hit the post and moments later had an effort saved as they went on to secure the three points.

Evesham: Rivers, Hancock, Humphreys, Turley (Tumelty 75), Summers, Dovey, Thomas, Williams, Davies, Haskayne, Simpson (Tucker-Dixon 73). Subs: Brain, Brown, Tunnicliff.

Attendance: 432.