Tiverton Town 3, Evesham United 0

THE perils of West Country holiday traffic proved an unexpected obstacle to United's hopes of starting their new life in the Southern League Premier Division on a high note.

After a gruelling, caravan-blighted coach journey to Devon, they discovered goalkeeper Tim Clarke, travelling on his own, was also held up and he only arrived at half-time.

Eighteen-year-old former youth team keeper Darren Knurek was thrown in at the deep end to make his first senior start for the club. The youngster rose to the challenge and couldn't be faulted for any of the goals.

It was a three-goal blast in the final 19 minutes of the first half that put paid to any chances United had of starting the season with a win.

United's best chance of the first half saw Tivvy keeper Mark Ovendale make a fabulous save from Jermaine Clarke with only six minutes gone.

As the half wore on, United were put on the back foot and Knurek was called on to make decent saves from Steve Winter twice and James Mudge after a succession of free kicks were awarded against the Robins.

The home side's pressure finally paid off in the 26th minute when George Friends' deflected shot found the back of the United's net.

More misery followed for Dave Busst's men when seven minutes later Stewart Yetton fired home to put the home side two up.

Then on the stroke of half time, Leon Blake upended Dave Hambly in the box and Winter tucked away the penalty for Tiverton's third.

Evesham came out with a point to prove in the second half and looked the more threatening of the two sides.

Ovendale had to be at his best to make a point blank save to deny Richard Robinson and then did likewise to thwart attempts from Richard Ball and Blake.

A goalline clearance prevented Clarke pulling one back for United and the last piece of action saw Knurek touch over a drive from Mudge.