Saturday, August 3, 2002

Evesham Utd 2, Hinckley Utd 2

AFTER a 4 - 0 defeat at the hands of Bishops Cleeve last Thursday, Evesham were looking for a much better performance against Dr. Martens Premier Division side Hinckley United at Common Road last Saturday.

And, Phil Mullen's men couldn't have wished for a better start as they found themselves two goals up inside the first 15 minutes.

In only the second minute Steve Lutz found space between two central defenders to power a header into the roof of the net. The lead was then increased when a shot from youngster Luke Tovey found the net.

Hinckley, however, reduced the deficit after 37 minutes when Leon Mitchell just managed to get in front of Matt Pendleton and steer the ball past goalkeeper Darren Steadman.

Chances continued to come Evesham's way in the second half and a 65th minute cross from Phil Preedy picked out Paul Davies. But, with only the goalkeeper to beat, the assistant manager missed his kick.

Two minutes later, after a great run and cross by Danny James, Lutz nudged the ball goalwards but a defender cleared the ball off the line.

Play moved to the opposite end and Hinckley had a great chance to level but the ball rattled the bar and flew back into play.

However, with 17 minutes remaining, the referee awarded a penalty for a handball offence against Jay Powell and Gavin O'Toole stepped up to put the ball wide of substitute goalkeeper Adam Moss.

This was a much more encouraging performance from an Evesham side that included Darren Bullock, a player with a wealth of Football League experience.

United wind up their pre-season programme with a home match against Football Conference side Hereford United at Common Road on Saturday.

Kick off is 3pm and admission is £5 for adults and £3 for juniors and oaps.

The club's youth team is in action at Common Road on Monday night (7.30) when Bedworth United are the visitors.