EVESHAM United ended a run of four BetVictor Southern League Division One South defeats with a useful 1-1 draw at high-flying Winchester City.

Paul Sullivan had the Robins in front from the 35th minute during an improved display but the Citizens grabbed a vital point five minutes from time through Rob Carr leaving Evesham 10th in the table.

United manager Carl Abbott said: “The application and effort was first-class.

"We worked a lot smarter than we have done in the past four games and simplified things.

"It was an excellent performance and result against a really good side and for four points from six across the two-game series with them.”

For the first time in 12 meetings between the clubs a match finished all-square after a competitive encounter which saw Winchester slip to fourth.

Carr forced an early save from Robins keeper Lochlan Robertson and fired another effort over while Simba Mlambo also went close.

But Evesham had the better of the latter period of the first half as Sullivan headed over and Lee Chilton forced a save.

And a wonder strike from Sullivan flew into the net from distance to give the Robins the lead.

Home keeper Ryan Pryce was tested twice early in the second period and Oli Bailey had a shot saved at the other end.

Evesham defended well but Winchester stepped up a gear in the final quarter-of-an -hour.

Mlambo had a shot saved before Carr levelled with another fine strike from distance.

Young Evesham midfielder Joe O’Neill has joined Midland League Premier Division strugglers Lye Town after starting three games and making 12 substitute appearances for the Robins.

United held a question-and-answer session with Abbott on Monday night for supporters.

The club reported: "Excellent productive meeting, good attendance from the fans, great awareness throughout the club now from all parties. Common goals thrashed out, all going the same way."

Evesham head to mid-table Mangotsfield United in the league on Saturday before hosting higher-ranked Bromsgrove Sporting in the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup semi-finals on Monday (7.45pm).

Evesham: Robertson, Roberts, Page, Paddock, Staten, Chamberlain, Franklin, Bragoli, Sullivan, Chilton, Lucas. Subs: Maslen-Jones, Smikle, Dinsley, Dodd, Tonge.

Attendance: 160.