POPULAR striker Shaun Pratt could have played his last match for Evesham United.

The speedy forward failed to turn up on New Year's Day morning but has since informed manager Phil Mullen that he is "taking time out" due to personal problems.

However, as one striking option deserts the Common Road chief, another one has arrived back in the fold albeit on a "midweek only" basis.

Sam Bowen has signed forms and could return in Evesham colours next Tuesday. The forward has taken up the oval ball game after spells at Bromsgrove and Ludlow Town since leaving Evesham last season and has been earning rave reviews playing for Old Luctonians.

Mullen described as "disgraceful" the failure of Pratt and Wesley Joyce to show their faces last Wednesday but the latter was back in the side at Atherstone last Saturday.

"I was knocking on Shaun's door for about 15 minutes", an angry Mullen recalled, "His children were waving at me through the windows but there was no response from Shaun".

The double disappearing act probably cost United victory over Stourport on a day when nothing went right for the beleaguered hosts.

Paul Hunter and Inderpaul Khela were recalled at short notice by Hinckley and Kidderminster respectively, while injuries to Nathan Jukes and Jay Powell saw the two fit outfield substitutes in action before the break.

Jukes had earlier given Evesham an early lead but slack defending saw Swifts score three times before the interval.

Things got worse two minutes after the restart when Mark Wolsey was red-carded after touching Michael Moore's goalbound shot over the crossbar. Richard Ball, though, failed to complete his hat-trick when shooting side from 12 yards.

A calf strain forced Neil Illman out of the action late on when substitute goalkeeper Craig Ladek joined Paul Davies up front!

The ten men certainly gave their all to prevent further goals while giving chase on a couple of occasions on a day when Pratt and Joyce, later found to be ill, let their colleagues down badly.

The latter's red card against Taunton last month will see him missing again. A three-match ban rules him out of Saturday's visit of RC Warwick, the midweek Worcestershire Senior Cup tie at home to Sutton Coldfield and the trip to Swindon Supermarine on Saturday, January 18.

Saturday's starting line-up could possibly feature just three of the players who inflicted a 6-0 drubbing on the Warwick men in November.

Chris Taylor, Andy Smith and Steve Lutz are certain starters, while Khela's inclusion depends on Kidderminster requirements and Powell's gash in a head wound could keep him out.

Mullen will assess the fitness of Jukes after this week's training sessions but Illman and Matt Gardiner will definitely be missing.

After last weekend's display, however, Mullen won't hesitate to name the likes of son Scott, Danny James or Grant Pinkney who all did themselves proud at Atherstone.

"The enthusiasm was there from the very first minute," Mullen recalled. "All the players supported each other and the only disappointing aspect was the concession of the late goal."

The manager also revealed that Paul West had "texted" him to see whether he would be up front again for the midweek game with Mangotsfield. However, a frozen Common Road surface saved Mullen a dilemma.

"I might have to consider it on Saturday, though," he admitted. "I am trying to bring people in but it's proving tricky."

Saturday's match is being sponsored by WF Electrics, Evesham and the ball by Angel Meats, Evesham.