Evesham United paid the price for failing to convert a hatful of chances when they lost 2-1 in last night's local derby against Redditch United at the Valley Stadium.

The Robins made a dream start, going in front after only two minutes. Shaun Pratt was fouled 20 yards out and Nathan Jukes smacked home the resulting fre kick past Richard Anstiss.

Pratt had a great chance of increasing Evesham's lead after a quarter of an hour, but after rounding Anstiss his shot was cleared off the line by Lee Knight.

Pratt and Darren Bullock both came within a whisker of increasing United's lead but against the run of play on 38 minutes, Redditch produced an equaliser. Knight's free kick took a wicked deflection and flew past Chris Taylor into the roof of the net.

Evesham continued to call the tune in the second half. Anstiss twice denied Bullock and Steve Lutz, after racing clear of the Reds defence, shot wide with only Anstiss to beat.

Redditch, however, made Evesham pay for some awful finishing when they notched the winner with 11 minutes to go.

A left wing cross fell at the feet of Alex Cowley, and he made no mistake, lashing the ball home past Taylor.

Evesham: Taylor 6, Smith 6, Powell 6, Khala 6, Gardiner 6, Jukes 8, West 6 (Langford 85), Bullock 6, Pratt 7, Lutz 6, Pinkney 5. Subs not used. James, Pendleton, Davies, Steadman.

Attendance: 174.