IMPROVING Evesham United deservedly beat table-topping Redditch United 2-0 in an action-packed Dr Martens Western Division derby at Common Road.

The game contained two penalties, two sendings-off and plenty of incidents to keep the Robins' biggest crowd of the season enthralled throughout.

Redditch were defending a 15-match unbeaten league run and were undefeated in the league away from home this season.

Evesham were themselves looking to make it six games without defeat.

Reds 'keeper Richard Anstiss competently dealt with a couple of volleys from Sean Flynn and Craig Pountney but the first real chance of the game fell to Scott Voice, but Tim Clarke in the Robins goal made an excellent block to keep out the former Hereford United striker's shot.

With 18 minutes gone Evesham shocked the leaders by going in front. Pountney got goalside of Gary Knight in the area only to be brought down from behind. After Knight had been dismissed Pountney himself made no mistake from the spot.

Just before half time, it was to 10 against 10. Redditch's Matthew Hall was sent clattering when in full flow by Lee Knight and he was shown a straight red by referee Mr Green.

The second half was barely 60 seconds old when Anstiss produced a flying save to push over a header from Marc Burrow.

But on the hour he was beaten for a second time. Pountney wriggled his way into the box before being hauled to the ground by Quentin Townsend. He got up to coolly tuck away the penalty.

Moments before United's goal, Inderpaul Khela came to Evesham's rescue when he cleared Alex Cowley's shot off the line.

Redditch were chasing the game and as a result, large holes were appearing in their defence.

Anstiss got down well to save from Grant Pinkney. Flynn and Pountney both could have extended Evesham's lead before the end had it not been for the skills of Anstiss.

Evesham: T Clarke 8, Smith 7, Burrow 7, Knight 7, Khela 8, Pinkney 7, Flynn 8, Marsh 8, H Pountney 9 (Guest 80), J Clarke 7 (Shaw 58, 7), Nicholls 8. Sub not used: West

Attendance: 393.