Leatherhead 1, Evesham United 2

A COMPOSED second half showing saw Evesham safely through to the second round of the FA Umbro Trophy on Tuesday night, writes Mervyn Collins.

The visitors overcame the shakiest of starts to see off the Surrey side, who were distinctly second best.

The victory maintained United's amazing run on opposition territory and they have still to concede more than two goals in a game.

That was the task facing Leatherhead after Phil Preedy cut inside to strike in the winner with 56 minutes on the clock.

It had not looked such a comfy ride midway through the opening half.

Paul Harkness caught the United rearguard cold after just 90 seconds, beating Damien Beattie at the second attempt.

Eight minutes later Sam Bowen lay writhing in agony with a shoulder injury but he battled gamely on while Steve Taylor's groin injury also flared up midway through the half.

Bowen's injury brought bookings for physio Lee O'Neill and boss Phil Mullen as the officials failed to halt play.

They were the first two of eight cautions - the last two should have resulted in an early 'cold' bath for Taylor and home keeper Stuart Vaughan after a shouting match in stoppage time.

If second half injury time was kind to the pair; first half overtime of ten minutes proved a godsend to the visitors.

Three minutes had elapsed when Bowen released Steve McCartan and the midfielder clipped in a neat equaliser.

The second period saw a different United as they hassled the midfield with Russell Parmenter a strong candidate for man of the match.

Beattie was only threatened occasionally but first Matt Pendleton and then Jay Powell came to his rescue.

Bowen lofted a late chance over the top from ten yards but it didn't matter as United booked a date at Cinderford on December 2 after victory in this twice postponed tie.

Saturday's scheduled visit to Cirencester was postponed, Pershore's trip to Highgate was another casualty while United's youth team were kept on the sidelines last Monday.

Gresley Rovers visit Common Road on Saturday (3) in a match sponsored by Tom Martin & Co Ltd, Bamber Bridge. The ball is sponsored by Angel Meats, Pershore. Evesham trek down the M5 next Wednesday for a league game at Tiverton.