Thursday, April 5, 2001

THERE will be a new name on the Worcestershire Senior Cup this season after Evesham United beat Worcester City 2-1 in last night's semi-final replay at St George's Lane.

Evesham showed far greater desire against a lethargic City side and reached the final for the first time in their history. They will now play Moor Green in a two-legged final.

City boss John Barton fumed: "They did to us what we have done to a number of sides in our recent run. We were well short all over the park."

In contrast, Evesham manager Phil Mullen said: "We had a game plan which we stuck to well. We had a couple of quick lads up front who were going to work their back four hard and that showed especially in the first-half."

Evesham took the lead on nine minutes when Steve Taylor headed home Steve McCartan's right-wing free-kick.

Seven minutes before the break McCartan released the lively Shaun Pratt to delightfully chip the second over City 'keeper Danny McDonnell.

Worcester were handed a lifeline at the start of the second-half, Mark Owen converting a penalty after strike partner Mark Shepherd had been tugged back by defender Jay Powell. But City never seriously threatened a comeback.

Worcester: McDonnell 5, Carty 5, Lutz 5, Greenman 4, Weir 5, Heeley 5, Cottrill 5, Ellis 6, Owen 5, Shepherd 5, Woods 4 (Hyde 46, 4). Subs not used: Joyce, Tucker, Jefferson, P. Wyatt.

Evesham: Beattie 7, Smith 8, Pendleton 7, West 8, Powell 6 (Parmenter 54, 6), Licata 7, Wolsey 7, McCartan 8, Pratt 9, Taylor 8, Brown 7 (Gallagher-Kennett 90). Subs not used: Davies, Maybury, Preedy.