Trophy blow for goal-shy Evesham (From Cotswold Journal)

Trophy blow for goal-shy Evesham

7:30am Saturday 22nd September 2012 in Sport

ANDREW Hall’s fifth-minute goal sent Evesham United crashing out of the FA Trophy at Evo-Stik Northern League Division One South side Stamford.

Hill’s early strike clinched a preliminary-round 1-0 victory for the hosts in a game that struggled to get out of second gear.

Evesham dominated possession, especially after the interval, but again their failings in front of goal proved the Robins’ downfall.

A misunderstanding in midfield led to Stamford scoring the only goal.

Jordan Smith took full advantage before supplying a cross to Hall whose wellstruck shot beat keeper Dean Coleman from the edge of the area. Defences were on top for the remainder of the firsthalf with clear-cut chances hard to come by.

United had good shouts for a penalty turned down when Lee Osborne appeared to be pulled down in the box by Robbie Maddox.

Evesham were on the front foot for most of the secondhalf but failed to trouble Matt Finlay on his debut in the Stamford goal.

Striker Marcus Palmer squandered a few halfchances as United finished with a flurry but Stamford easily held on to book their place at home to Kidsgrove Athletic in the next round.

Evesham : Coleman, Williams, Hyde, Eze, Robinson, Warmer, Downing, Hicks, Palmer, Tulloch (Polan 60), Osborne (Connor 60).

Subs not used: Wilson, Clarke, Elmes.

Attendance : 152.