Evesham Utd 0, Gloucester City 1

UNITED'S attacking problems suffered a couple of acute blows prior to kick-off but they should still have exacted retribution for last month's heavy reverse.

Wesley Joyce was ruled out of the remainder of the season following a scan after a clash of heads at Shepshed, while strike partner Mark Shepherd twinged a hamstring in the warm-up and was forced to pull out.

However, the Robins made enough chances to have extended their undefeated run to five games but lost out to a goal from the unmarked Jimmy Cox four minutes from time.

Chances were at a premium in the first half when Tim Hart produced the only real save of note to thwart Cox.

However, two misses from Inderpaul Khela and a 25-yarder from Nathan Jukes that struck the bar summed up Evesham's frustration agony that was to continue late on when Khela, Paul Oakey and Mark Wolsey all shot normally wide.

Debutant Nick Heath also failed to hit the target when Matt Bath failed to hold Andy Smith's drive, but the Gloucester keeper fared better when hanging on to Heath's powerful strike.

United's injury jinx continued when Grant Pinkney limped off and their afternoon of woe was further heightened when Lee Smith's run and cross left Cox with the easiest of finishes with the United defence, for the only time all game, all at sea.