Tuesday, September 10, 2002

Bedworth Utd 2, Evesham Utd 1

UNITED'S poor away form continued on Tuesday night when a dubious penalty decision made it four matches on the road without a win.

Nine goals have been conceded in those games but the midweek misery over Russell Parmenter's alleged shove in the box was exacerbated as Craig Whitmore stroked in the spot-kick on the hour.

A Bumpy surface didn't suit the Robins who, according to manager Phil Mullen, were "slow off the mark".

Mark Wolsey, shifted into midfield to allow for the return of Parmenter and the loss of Leroy May, fired in a wonderful volley to bring Evesham level after 56 minutes.

The visitors had made the worst possible start when the defence failed to clear Scott McGregor's fourth minute centre and Andrew Morson prodded the ball past debutant goalkeeper Damion Quailey.

United lost Steve Lutz with a twisted ankle after 38 minutes during a half in which Grant Pinkney volleyed wide, Andy Smith's cross flashed across the face of goal and Darren Bullock headed wide on the stroke of half-time.

Nathan Jukes fired in a couple of late drives that failed to find the target on a night when Mullen appears to have his work cut out to improve his side's dismal away form.

The Common Road chief might have to do without both Lutz and May for Saturday's FA Cup tie.

"Leroy might have a chance but Steve is very doubtful," Mullen admitted. "Our away form is a concern, we just seem to be conceding goals all the time. But we will talk about it and hopefully put things right at Falmouth."