EVESHAM United exited the Red Insure Cup first round, conceding two second-half goals in a 2-0 defeat at Stratford Town.

Reserves Josh Goddard and Samuel Comfort were handed first-team debuts, while a host of regulars had the night off ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie.

The first-half ended goalless despite United having more play.

Aaron Drake forced home keeper Andy Kemp into action and Kevin Slack had an effort hacked off the line by Town defender Aaron Stringfellow.

Kemp kept out Jack Watts' header before ex-Evesham player Simeon Tulloch had an effort chalked off for offside in a rare Stratford raid.

Due to an injury to an assistant referee, the half-time break was extended by 13 minutes before Stratford’s reserve keeper Domenico Roggero took over the flag in the second-half.

Tulloch continued to look threatening and his shot was blocked before Richard Gregory gave Town a 69th-minute lead.

It became 2-0 seven minutes from time when a clumsy challenge on Chris Sterling by substitute Nathan Jackson resulted in Tyrone Fagan slotting home the resulting penalty.

Evesham: Goddard, Tambling, Comfort, Wood, Sysum (Dovey 45), Harding, Brown (Jackson 67), Drake, Slack, Williams, Watts. Subs not used: Wilson, Kennedy, Edenborough.

Attendance: 190.