Danks spot on as Redditch win at the double

On his arrival at the ground referee Dean Whitestone was concerned at the state of the pitch, but both managers agreed the game should go ahead, despite areas being waterlogged and ankle deep in mud.

The difficult conditions made for a scrappy encounter, with many moves breaking down on the unpredictable surface.

Evesham failed to reproduce their exhilarating form of late and saw their run of eight successive victories come to an end.

Redditch, who boast an impressive record against Evesham over the years, just about deserved it on the day, and as a result, closed the gap between the two sides to nine points.

The game was decided by a Paul Danks penalty in the 24th minute.

Evesham defender Jay Powell, in attempting to clear an under-hit pass from Steve McCartan, felled Andrew Corbett, currently on a loan from Kidderminster Harriers.

Danks stepped up and blasted home the resulting penalty.

The tricky Scott Colcombe nearly doubled Redditch's advantage nine minutes later, but his first time volley from Ian Mitchell's cross was just off target.

Earlier, Evesham's best chance of the half fell to Mark Wolsey, whose header from close in flashed well wide.

The second period offered very little excitement for Reds biggest league crowd of the season.

It did come to life, however, for the final quarter. Stuart Payne almost levelled for Evesham, but after riding a tackle from Leon Jackson, former Robins keeper Harvey Willetts advanced off his line to smother the striker's effort when he looked certain to score.

Willetts denied McCartan and deep into injury time Danks should have netted Reds second, but his weakly struck shot from ten yards was safely held by Damien Beattie.

Evesham: Beattie 6, Smith 6, Pendleton 6, West 6 (Preedy 65, 6), Powell 6, Clark 6, Wolsey 6, McCartan 6, Pratt 5, Taylor 6 (Hodgetts (65, 5), Payne 5. Sub not used: Parmenter.

Attendance: 325.