Cinderford Town 0, Evesham Utd 3

SUBSTITUTIONS again sparked United into life as they finally gained their first Western Division points of the season.

Mark Shepherd scored his fourth goal in three matches with a late brace in the Forest of Dean, while Paul Oakey fired in his first senior goal for the Robins.

Manager Phil Miller recalled Wesley Joyce in place of the holidaying Simon Marsh but, strangely, it was his departure that proved Monday's turning point.

The visitors created the better chances with Andy Fisher keeping at efforts from the front two and Craig Ball.

However, "Action Man" tangled with Jason Hoskins after 67 minutes - a tussle that saw the Cinderford man given a red card.

Joyce was soon removed from the action and Oakey's arrival was followed by Steve Lutz and Danny James replacing Nathan Jukes and Grant Pinkney.

It took Lutz just four minutes to help fire United ahead when his cross was met by Shepherd who beat Fisher with a low header.

It was 2-0 after 76 minutes when Ball's pass released Oakey and a fine curling finish doubled the visiting side's advantage.

Victory was secured two minutes from time when Ball's inch-perfect cross allowed Shepherd to net the perfect header and end Evesham's miserable start to the new campaign.

Mullen's men take a break from their Dr Martens League struggles on Saturday when they play host to Hallen in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.

If the scores are level after 90 minutes, the replay will take place at Moorhouse Lane, the home of the Screwfix Direct Western league first division side, next Tuesday at 7.45pm.

Saturday's tie is being sponsored by W & F (Evesham), Boot Lane and the ball by Cotswold Prov-isions, Briar Close, both Evesham.

The club's youth team players, 3-0 losers to Worcester City on Tuesday, are also in FA Cup action next week when they visit Newport County in the first qualifying round on Monday.

A coach will leave Safeway at 4.30pm for the 7.30pm kick-off.

Dr Martens League

Western Division

P W D L F A Pts

Redditch 4 4 0 0 13 0 12

Sutton C 4 4 0 0 8 1 12

Solihull 4 4 0 0 7 3 12

Taunton 4 3 0 1 10 5 9

Rugby U 4 3 0 1 8 5 9

Mangotsfield 4 3 0 1 7 10 9

Halesowen 4 2 1 1 10 4 7

Bromsgrove 4 2 1 1 5 2 7

Ilkeston 4 2 1 1 8 9 7

Gloucester 4 2 0 2 10 8 6

Clevedon 4 2 0 2 7 6 6

Swindon S 4 2 9 2 5 7 6

Team Bath 4 1 1 2 7 6 4

Stourport 4 1 1 2 4 5 4

Cinderford 4 1 1 2 6 6 4

Evesham 4 1 0 3 6 6 3 Cirencester 4 1 0 3 2 5 3

Atherstone 4 1 0 3 3 10 3

Bedworth 4 0 2 2 2 5 2

Shepshed 4 0 2 2 3 9 2

Gresley 4 0 0 4 3 10 0

Yate 4 0 0 4 1 13 0

l FORMER Evesham United skipper Darren Bullock has been banned from football until June next year!

At last week's disciplinary commission of the Worcestershire FA, charges of threatening a referee and common assault on a referee were found proven. These are subject to a right of appeal to the Football Association.

Bullock started a 35-day FA last Monday for playing while under suspension. In addition to that he will start a WFA suspension lasting 70 days on September 29 for offensive and abusive remarks to a match official.

The ban imposed for the latest case commences on December 8 and the commission imposed a suspension of 182 days together with a £150 fine.