EVESHAM United's cup commitments for the season came to an end last night when they were beaten 2-0 by Halesowen Town in the second round of the Worcestershire Senior Cup.

In a repeat of last seasons' final both sides put up a decent display on a frozen Common Road pitch and a makeshift United side, despite the result, can take heart from their performance.

United shaded the first half. A Sean Flynn header dipped just the wrong side of an upright and Yeltz 'keeper Matt Lowe made a terrific save to touch over Craig Ball's deflected free kick.

The closest Halesowen came to scoring was when former Aston Villa player Bryan Small thundered a shot just wide.

Marc Burrow scooped his shot over at the start of the second half but a defensive mix-up led to Halesowen taking a 63rd minute lead. The leading scorer in the Dr Martens Western Division, Jason Ashby, seized the opportunity to net from ten yards.

Grant Pinkney and Inderpaul Khela got themselves into good positions but were thwarted by Lowe, before Halesowen booked their passage into the next round with a second goal three minutes from time.

Richard Colwell sent over a deep cross from the right and Mark Hallam climbed at the far post to score with a looping header.

Evesham: Clarke 6, Smith 8, Sage 6 (Pryce 45, 5), Burrow 7, Bailey 7, Pinkney 6, Flynn 7, Nicholls 7, Hammett 5 (Christie 75), Ball 6, Khela 6. Subs not used: West, Oakey.

Attendance: 73.