Old Halesonians 2, Evesham 2

EVESHAM ruined the home side's dream of promotion on Sunday when they secured a point in their final West Midlands League game.

A depleted visiting showed great character and pride to ensure that they played the game honestly and with passion to gain a result that sent local rivals Stratford up.

Despite being under considerable early pressure, the Vale side tried to play positively and pass the ball around to create chances.

Midfielder Jamie Dodgson provided the basis for many counter attacks, assisted by Stuart Harris and Seb Seneque but it was Stuart Bearcroft who once again proved the thorn in the side of the opposition with his pace and skill.

His work gained a short corner from which Chris Perry struck an unstoppable shot past a stranded former Evesham goalkeeper Jim Goldstraw.

Evesham were then made to defend in numbers and Perry made some superb tackles while goalkeeper Matt Cook was outstanding.

The pressure continued after the interval and it finally paid off for the Halesowen side through a well worked short corner.

When Harris received a yellow card for an innocuous tackle the home side stepped up the pace even more and, despite the excellence of John Vickery in breaking down many attacks, the home side took the lead with seven minutes to go.

The crowd became excited as promotion beckoned but Evesham threw caution to the wind and Bearcroft and Dodgson combined to gain a short corner that the former Evesham keeper will have nightmares about as he allowed a harmless shot to slip between his legs.

The previous afternoon, Evesham suffered a 4-2 at Kidderminster after a disappointing display.

However, Evesham again ended promotion hopes as the home side needed to win by three or four goals to ensure a rise in status.

Evesham welcomed back Nick Lloyd who partnered Martin Husbands in attack and together they provided some outlets for the midfield.

, Matt Baumber, Seb Seneque and Stuart Harris were dominant in midfield but they missed the pace and skill of Bearcroft.

Poor defending allowed the home side to take a two-goal lead into half-time after which Evesham struggled to settle into any rhythm.

After conceding a third goal, they played with much more urgency, purpose and vision and goals from Husbands and Seneque made it 3-2.

Just as they thought a comeback would be complete, another howler let the opposition score a fourth from a three on one situation to secure victory.