Redditch Utd 3, Evesham Utd 1

SCHOOLBOY defending and a couple of old boys taught the Robins a harsh lesson at the Valley Stadium on Tuesday night, writes Mervyn Collins.

The Western Division leaders were relieved to go in all-square at half-time as the visitors produced a dazzling display.

Phil Mullen's side took a fifth minute lead through Linton Bailey but seven minutes later former Evesham man Richard Lead-beater was left completely unmarked at a free-kick and he gave Tim Clarke no chance.

Mark Shepherd headed over and then shot tamely at Richard Anstiss after creating space in the box, while Shaun Pratt and Grant Pinkney both brought the best out of the home goalkeeper.

Bailey almost restored Evesham's lead but his 44th minute header hit the top of the bar.

It was a different tale after the break with the flowing football displayed by both teams disappearing as the leaders gradually gained in the ascendancy but not before Pratt had volleyed Shaun Flynn's pass into the side netting.

Pinkney, Flynn and Craig Ball so instrumental in their side's first half display became more and more anonymous, while a lack of service left Pratt a virtual spectator on the right flank.

It was on the same Redditch side of the pitch after 67 minutes that Jimmy Quiggin chased down a ball that Evesham defenders thought was going out and Lee Ross, who had struck a post in the fourth minute, poked a close-range shot past Clarke.

Pratt missed his kick with the goal gaping four minutes later before Leadbeater, totally unmarked, sealed the points for Redditch with 16 minutes remaining.

Substitute Nathan Jukes picked out Flynn at a corner but the midfielder was denied by the crossbar on a night of mixed emotions for Phil Mullen's men.