A GOALLESS friendly at Common Road hardly seems the sort of contest to inspire optimism for the new season, writes Mervyn Collins.

However, the performances of new signings Marc Burrow and Simon Marsh against Moor Green last Saturday will have delighted manager Phil Mullen.

Evesham took to the field lacking at least a handful of players who would expect to be on the teamsheet on August 16. However, they more than matched their Premier Division visitors, who were lucky to come away with a draw.

Chances were at a premium in the first half in which latest recruit, Tim Clarke, was seldom tested in the United goal.

Mark Shepherd, under pressure from the last defender, poked a 58th minute chance wide, while replacement Richard Hughes must have thought he had grabbed the winner nine minutes from time only for visiting keeper Lee Parry to block his point-blank strike.

Craig Ladek made a couple of good stops after replacing Clarke at half-time and the young custodian was then indebted to the goalline clearances from man of the match Burrows to maintain parity at 90 minutes.

Missing Jay Powell, Paul West, Nathan Jukes, Wesley Joyce, Kirk Master and Inderpaul Khela, the Robins lost Kris Sage injured before the break but trialist Adam Guest did his hopes of more action no harm with a spirited display.

Steve Lutz and Mark Wolsey linked well with Marsh in midfield, while youngsters Matty Staley, Scott Maybury and Danny James were thrust into action by manager Mullen.

The Common Road chief will be keen to sort out his goalkeeping situation quickly. Damion Quailey didn't feature last Saturday, while Ladek and Darren Steadman have both been handed lengthy bans by the Worce-stershire FA.

The former will be on the sidelines between August 18 and September 18, while Steadman, injuries permitting, won't be available until January 11 next year!