Evesham Utd 0, Bromsgrove Rvrs 1

SKIPPER Lee Knight saw red on his return from a four-match ban as United lost out to their Worcestershire rivals on Tuesday night, writes Steve Carley.

Knight got his marching orders for two bookable offences in a match decided by Kevin Banner's goal on the stroke of half-time.

Knight was cautioned after 23 minutes for persistent dissent towards the referee when he was lucky not t receive a straight red for foul and abusive language.

An early bath followed five minutes from time following a foul.

A minute's silence was impeccably observed before kick-off in memory of Dr Martens League assistant referee Tony Neather, on the line at Common Road against Mangotsfield last month, who collapsed and died during a Gloucestershire County League match last Saturday.

United boss Dave Busst opted to leave out Steven Hands to accommodate his influential captain while also deciding to leave a fit again Lee Ross out of the picture altogether.

Latest recruit Danny Williams was handed a debut in place of Craig Nicholls, who was called off the bench when the newcomer limped off at half-time.

It was a night of few clear-cut chances and featured tight midfield battles.

Williams and Grant Pinkney both had good chances for the hosts, with Paul Wyatt denying the former with his feet seven minutes from the break.

But it was high flying Bromsgrove who scored the only goal of the game from their first effort on goal.

A cross from the right caused a defensive mix-up in the middle of the Evesham penalty area. The ball was allowed to find its way through to Banner who drilled it past Tim Clarke.

The game opened up after the break with Evesham putting the better moves together although chances were still limited. Tim Clarke was never really troubled while namesake Jermaine showed real determination up front.

It was substitute Peter Sutton, a Rovers player last month, who had Evesham's best effort but Wyatt pushed his fizzing shot past the post four minutes from time.