EVESHAM United overcame struggling Fleet Town with a goal in each half to move a step closer to second-placed Taunton Town in Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West.

Adam Mann moved into double figures with United’s opener in a dour match at the Jubilee Stadium and substitute Kevin Slack sealed the Robins’ win with a second goal a minute from time.

As far as Evesham were concerned. it was a case of the result being more important than the performance as Paul Collicutt’s men struggled to despatch a Fleet side who hadn’t managed an away league win all season.

Despite kicking against a strong wind in the first-half, United were always in control but were let down by some wayward finishing.

In the first minute, visiting keeper Ryan Price was left clutching thin air as Carl Brown volleyed just wide, and then Price denied Brown with an outstretched leg.

George Washbourne fired across the face of goal before the deadlock was finally broken in the 29th minute.

Ashley Edenborough did all the donkey work down the left before finding Mann, who coolly found the roof of the net from close range.

With the win behind them, United spent much of the second period in the Fleet half, but some dogged defending by the Blues kept Evesham at bay.

Price save from Washbourne on two occasions and held strikes by Brown, Edenborough and Mann. Liam Harding’s effort also smashed against the crossbar before going over.

In a rare Fleet attack, Kevin Sawyer had to be alert to push aside Craig Davis’ free-kick before United made the game safe with a second goal in the last minute.

Following a foul down the right, Mann worked his way into the box before picking out the unmarked Slack who swept the ball home beyond the diving Price for his first goal of the season.

Evesham United: Sawyer, Brown (Wood 65), Stanley, Harding, Sysum, Dovey, Washbourne, Wilson (Slack 78), Edenborough (Lance Smith 78), Mann, Lee Smith. Attendance: 248.