PAUL West described Saturday's win as the"greatest moment in his footballing career as a player or manager" - and that puts United's magnificent FA Cup fourth qualifying round victory into context.

Three divisions separated these two clubs last season and the United boss has showed faith in the players that helped win the title last term as there wasn't one new face among the 14 players who made history to book a place in the first round after three previous failed attempts.

The manager showed shrewd tactical awareness by replacing banned skipper Steve Lutz with Steven Hands in midfield and by drafting in Steve Luckett at the back at the expense of Michael Batchelor.

The changes worked a treat as the Robins more than matched their visitors in every department after Rushden had a made a bright start and Daryl Clare had two early sights of goal.

However, the hosts struck the first blow when the impressive Simon Fitter's near post cross after 18 minutes was swept into the net by Danny Scheppel.

As the half wore on, Evesham looked more and more capable of resisting the efforts of Garry Hill's side although it needed a wonderful save from Nathan Vaughan to deny Lee Phillips three minutes before half-time.

There was a sense of anticipation among the 609 fans inside St George's Lane at the interval and the Evesham supporters weren't left disappointed.

Dale Roberts prevented Fitter making it 2-0 after 55 minutes when the visiting keeper tipped Fitter's 45-yard free-kick over the bar.

However, the Robins were given a boost eight minutes later when Gareth Jelleyman saw an instant red after a two-footed lunge on the home dead-ball man.

Fitter struck another free-kick inches wide after 71 minutes as Evesham continued to look the more likely and the vital second goal arrived ten minutes later.

Michael Hayden sent over a left wing cross that Scheppel deftly nodded past Roberts and into the corner of the net amid scenes of wild celebration on and off the field.

The hosts were just content to play down the watch and that they did with admirable control on an afternoon that will long be remembered by all who witnessed them continue their superb unbeaten sequence at Worcester.