EVESHAM United have pulled off a transfer coup by snapping up former Worcester City striker Sam Bowen.

The prolific 24-year-old is expected to figure in the Robins' home friendly with Second Division Bury tonight (7.45).

United boss Phil Mullen said most of the credit for securing Bowen's signature had to go to his assistant Paul Davies, who worked with the player at Worcester.

"Sam has a lot of respect for both Paul and Graham Allner from their time at Worcester, and Paul played as much of a role in persuading him to come here as I did.

"I am just hoping he will be a great asset for us."

Bowen scored 53 goals in 97 games during 2 seasons at Worcester but was released at the end of last season, having not played since his dismissal in City's FA Umbro Trophy defeat at Telford.

With former Kidderminster Harriers players Steve Taylor and Mark Wolsey also joining the Common Road side, Mullen is hopeful that this could be the year for the Robins.

"I think we have given ourselves a real chance of winning something," he said. "The atmosphere at the club is excellent and the players here from last year are happy to see the calibre of those new arrivals."

Mullen hopes to field triallist goalkeeper Bashkin Toska, from the war-torn former Yugo-slavian republic of Kosovo.

The 25-year-old, who has been playing in Albania, has a work permit to play and figured in their weekend friendly against Bishop's Cleeve.

Tonight's game will be a nostalgic homecoming for Bury player-manager Andy Preece, who was born in Evesham and played for his home-town club as well as Worcester before making his name in the Football League.

Mullen said: "Micky Brennan knows Andy very well and they got in touch and he agreed to bring a side down.

"Tonight is going to be a good test for us and one we are looking forward to. We are hoping the folks respond and come down in their droves and support us."

Bury are expected to field a full-strength squad, with Preece likely to play himself along with ex-Worcester midfielder Darren Bullock.