Evesham Utd 0, Mangotsfield Utd 1

LAST week it was back to basics, now it could be back to the drawing board if Saturday's disappointing show is anything to judge, writes Mervyn Collins.

Once again, fortune failed to shine on Dave Busst's side as Sean Flynn after 15 minutes and then Inderpaul Khela were forced out of the action because of injury. Add to that suspensions to Lee Knight and Marc Burrow and that's were the problem lies.

However, despite a bright opening, strikers Lee Ross and Craig Pountney faded badly but Busst will have taken some consolation from the brief introduction of latest recruit from lower grade football Omar Green.

Mangotsfield had lost on all their previous visitors to Common Road and, after Busst had opted to go to three at the back for the final half-an-hour, the visitors could have tripled their victory margin.

The Robins created little in the second half after Mangotsfield substitute Jack Pitcher had slotted in the opening goal just ten minutes after replacing the injured Dean Pendry at half-time.

The hosts recalled Kris Sage at left back and Busst's boys started in confident mood with Ross seeing a 25-yard thunderbolt parried to safety by Mark Bryant.

Grant Pinkney's on target volley after 15 minutes was blocked by a defender, before Bryant again thwarted Ross after good work from Craig Nicholls.

Pinkney's 23rd minute pass sent Pountney clear but again Bryant came to his side's rescue as he pushed a weak shot for a corner.

The visitors created their first chance after 36 minutes but David Seal was denied by Tim Clarke and, when the home rearguard was again caught square, Seal flashed a left-footer wide with the interval whistle beckoning.

Pinkney sent Pountney clear two minutes after the restart but, when Bryant was beaten albeit by a weak volley, Mark Summers hacked the ball clear of the danger area.

That was about as good as it got for Evesham who quickly ran out of ideas as the likes of Nich-olls, Ross and Simon Marsh drifted out of the action.

Clarke denied Seal before Pitcher struck and the hosts were lucky still to be in the game as Richard Pears twice spurned great chances, Pitcher handled before netting, while Clarke saved weak shots from Seal and Adam Sims.

Referee Steve Cook, who had a poor game, waved aside Evesham penalty appeals when Ross appeared to be held back in the penalty area.

Khela was stretchered off with what looked like a nasty arm injury two minutes from time when boss Busst must have felt like smashing the Manager of the Month glassware that was presented to him at the interval.