A FIRST friendly win over higher status opposition maintained Evesham United's impressive build-up to the Southern League Premier Division campaign.

Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Conference North outfit Moor Green followed hot on the heels of a win by the same scoreline at Leamington last Saturday.

Last season's top scorer Richard Ball found the net in both matches and his 85th minute finish proved the decider at Common Road in midweek.

Ball was a half-time substitute for Jermaine Clarke, happily recovered from mumps, and the gangling front man had certainly lost none of his enthusiasm as he formed a lively partnership with Jae Martin.

Steve Duncan headed United ahead from Gavin O'Toole's eighth minute corner but the hosts were grateful to a couple of fine stops from Tim Clarke as they went in at half-time a goal to the good.

Three changes at the break spoiled their rythym and there were several close shaves in Clarke's goalmouth although it was Evesham who came closest to wrapping up the win when Martin was denied by an offside flag after Ball's curling free-kick had struck a post.

The dead-ball man wasn't to be denied after an error in the Moors rearguard and a first clean sheet was denied the Robins on the stroke of full time when Jerome Grandison bundled in a consolation for the visitors.

Ball was on target at the Windmill Stadium at the weekend when he instantly levelled Leamington's opener from Andy Gregory and Grant Pinkney was on hand to snatch a 52nd minute winner in a far from competent Evesham display.

"We didn't show the workrate needed last Saturday but it was certainly back tonight," assistant manager Paul West declared after Tuesday's win. "It's all about fitness at the moment and we are looking pretty good. We've got good numbers and we're looking solid throughout the team.

Lee Knight, Neil O'Sullivan and Adam Cooper all missed the midweek win as did manager Dave Busst who had travelled down to Devon to take a peek at opening day opponents Tiverton Town.

Evesham face two more interesting home games against Conference North opponents before completing their warm-up campaign at Stratford Town on Saturday, August 6.

Worcester City are the visitors to Common Road on Saturday ahead of a home clash next Tuesday with Redditch.

This weekend's match is being sponsored by Don Larner, Alutrade Ltd, Alcester and the ball by AT Vac of Chippenham, while Knight & Co, High Street, Evesham is sponsoring Tuesday's game when the ball is being sponsored by Kevin's Butchers, Port Street, Evesham.