EVESHAM United remain deep in the relegation mire after drawing at 10-men Bashley in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division.

United, without a win in nine games, were unfortunate not to claim victory and are five points from safety with just two games to go.

Both sides created chances in a decent first-half, the best of which saw home keeper Stewart Kearn touch Henry Eze’s header onto the bar.

Bashley were reducd to 10 men leading up to half-time when Dan Strugnell was the last man as he brought down striker Ben Pugh bearing down on goal.

Evesham were camped in the Bashley half for long spells in the second period but couldn’t find a way through a packed defence.

Eze twice got into good positions but failed to beat Kearn.

When Evesham did get the ball in the net, Pugh’s strike was disallowed for a push.

There was further drama when, midway through the second-half, an injury to referee Matt Eva forced a 17-minute delay while a replacement was found.

Nobody with the qualifications was available in the ground so, to avoid the game being postponed, the Surrey official completed the match by running the line with one of his assistants taking over in the middle.

Evesham: Platt, Wilson, Tasker, Daniel, J Clarke, Eze, Winter (Agbor 45), MacKenzie, Pugh, Wilding, Murphy (Ardalany 67). Subs not used: Connor, M Clarke.

Attendance: 201.