EVESHAM United have strengthened their squad on the eve of their crunch Dr Martens League Western Division promotion battle at leaders Bilston Town (3pm).

They have snapped up former Kidderminster Harriers and Bromsgrove Rovers striker Stuart Payne on a free transfer from Halesowen Town.

Payne could come straight into the starting line-up tomorrow with the in-form Shaun Pratt suffering from a tooth abscess.

Manager Phil Mullen, who signed Payne when he was in charge at Kidderminster, said: "He is a player I have been interested in for two or three months.

"He probably had his best time at Bromsgrove and established himself as a top marksman, although for one thing and another his move to Harriers didn't work out.

"It is an opportunity for him to get back on track. We are a good side and it will definitely suit his type of play."

Steve Taylor may also return as United try to avenge two previous defeats by Bilston and attempt to move into second place.

Mullen, who believes this is a more important game than next week's FA Trophy clash with Morecambe, said: "We have every reason to believe we can go there and get a result.

"Our away form is excellent and it is a nice pitch which should suit us."

Evesham (from): Beattie, Smith, Pendleton, West, Powell, Deakin, Parmenter, Wolsey, McCartan, Pratt, Hodgetts, Preedy, Licata, Brown, Taylor, Payne.