Evesham III 1,

Hampton-on-Arden III 1

SEEKING their first home points of the season, Eve-sham entertained fellow strugglers Hampton-in- Arden, and they were unfortunate not to secure maximum points.

In what was probably Evesham's best display of passing hockey this year, despite relentless pressure on the visitors goal, they struggled to find any early goal scoring form.

And, it was Hampton who took the lead against the run of play, when a well struck short corner from Mark Hillman flew into the corner of the goal past a flailing defender.

The scoreline remained the same until after the break, and so did the home side's pressure, the presence of Stuart Watts at the back provided the midfield with the confidence to drive forward and create vital space.

Fifteen minutes into the half their perseverance paid off. Allan played a perfect through ball to Grant at the top of the circle, who rounded two men and fired the ball home, to take his season's tally to nine in nine games.

Evesham pressed desperately for the winner, and, when Matt Allan flicked the ball towards the top corner of the goal, they thought they had achieved it.

However, goalscorer Grant, looking for his second, moved towards the goal, and blocked the effort with his head.

The ball flew over the bar, and Grant had to end the game in the treatment room.

Evesham travel to Wedn-esbury this weekend, their promotion rivals from last season, in what is expected to be another hard encounter.