Evesham Utd 0, Halesowen Tn 2
DAVE Busst is yet to see his side score at Common Road as a third successive blank ended hopes of Worcestershire senior Cup glory at the first hurdle on a frosty Tuesday night.
The Robins have found the net nine times on their travels since Busst took over but third successive home defeat leaves the new manager with plenty to ponder ahead of Saturday's Western Division date with Sutton Coldfield.
Busst will welcome Craig Pountney back into his squad after being ineligible against Halesowen on a night when defences caught the eye.
Lee Knight, who will also be missing this weekend following the death of his father, and Nathan Jukes were also absentees for a tie that was only decided in the closing stages.
Evesham battled bravely in a repeat of last season's final and can take great heart from their performance. They narrowly had the better of the opening 45 minutes when Sean Flynn's header was inches off target and Yeltz goalkeeper Matt Lowe produced the save of the night to keep out Craig Ball's deflected free-kick.
Former Aston Villa player Bryan Small shot wide for the visitors who rarely threatened Tim Clarke's goal but a defensive mix-up gifted Town the lead after 63 minutes when top scorer Jason Ashby took full advantage.
Half chances came the way of Grant Pinkney and Inderpaul Khela before Mark Hallam nodded his side's second past Clarke three minutes from time.
Lee Ross is speaking to Busst tonight after being released by Redditch and the tall striker could line up alongside Pountney this weekend.
Goalkeeper Damien Beattie won't be in the side on Saturday after being released by Busst as a result of problems in travelling from his Nottingham home. Wes Joyce is another who the manager says "won't be figuring in future plans".
The United chief is hopeful that Jukes will have recovered from a knock on the ankle to take his place against a Sutton that has defeated Evesham twice already this season.
Danny James missed out in midweek with food poisoning but he is expected to be back in contention for a place in the squad alongside Craig Nichols and Andy Hammett.
"I think we are playing well enough and it's going to click soon," Busst admitted. "but we are being punished for our mistakes at the moment."
Saturday's match is being sponsored by Hulett Aluminium Ltd (Redditch) and the ball by Amenity Land Services, Telford.
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