SUCCESSIVE home defeats without finding the net will signal the hunt for new faces ahead of Evesham United's trip to Clevedon Town on Saturday, writes Mervyn Collins.

Manager Dave Busst is set to meet up with an experienced defender tonight, while also having a forward in mind to replenish an attack that really needs to start firing if the Robins are to make headway up the Western Division table.

"I've still got four or five defenders who are individually good enough but they need someone with experience around them," the United chief declared.

Busst also admitted that the decision to play Sean Flynn up front on Tuesday wasn't a desperate move, while also advocating better times ahead for newcomers Andy Hammett.

"Flynny played up front for Coventry when I was there and it wasn't a gamble," Busst said. "He's good with his head and I felt that Marshy is a more composed player in midfield. Andy deserved his chance after impressing when he came on last Saturday and he did well until we faded in the closing stages."

The Robins created the best of the first half chances on Tuesday but the home side returned to their old habits after the break when there looked to be only one winner.

When the goal finally arrived it was substitute Marc Canham who toe-poked the ball past Damien Beattie with five minutes left on the watch.

United's best move of the night came after 18 minutes and ended with a header from the recalled Inderpaul Khela being saved.

Seven minutes later, Linton Bailey's shot hit the top of the crossbar when the central defender should really have hit the target following a corner.

Khela's run and subsequent shot forced another save from Ali Hines before Flynn headed a free kick from Nathan Jukes narrowly wide when again the ball should have ended up in the net.

Former Aston Villa forward Luke Prince was a danger down the left and he fired a yard wide after a surging run after 16 minutes and, when he was tripped by Marc Burrow in the box ten minutes later, the referee ruled against pointing to the spot.

Khela volleyed past an angle soon after the restart before being replaced by the ineffective Craig Ball. Beattie earned his money with a couple of brave saves as United totally lost their shape.

Craig Pountney replaced a limping Jukes with 15 minutes left but hardly got a touch unlike fellow bench man Canham who came on to inflict yet more misery on the hapless hosts who almost snatched a late leveller when Flynn's header from Burrow's flick was saved by Hines.

"Saturday disappointed me but it was better last night," Busst said yesterday. "Bath couldn't really have complained if they had been two down at half-time but if you don't take chances then you are not going to win games."

One point out of nine since taking over isn't the start the new manager wished for. However, he is being realistic about the position and is confident he can turn things around.

"I knew what I was getting when I took the job," Busst said. "We were next to bottom and I told the lads that I would give them three or four games to have a look a them. That time is almost up and I am hopeful of introducing a couple of new faces."