EVESHAM United bowed out of the Dr Martens Cup following last night's 2-1 preliminary round defeat against Bilston Town at Common Road.

Manager Phil Mullen rested several key players ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie at Gloucester City and, in turn, saw his side taste defeat for the first time this season.

The Steelmen made a dream start by taking the lead on three minutes when Scott Voice netted from 25 yards.

Full back Andy Smith cleared Voice's header off the line before United drew level in the 28th minute.

A neat three-man move down the left ended with youth team player James Brown firing home via an upright from 15 yards.

The second half was a dour affair with scoring opportunities few and far between.

The visitors, however, grabbed the winner 15 minutes from time.

United's defence failed to clear Danny Williams' cross from the right and Leon Jackson was on hand to crash home the loose ball from close range.

United: Beattie 6; Smith 7; Pendleton 6; Rogers 6; Powell 6; Taylor 8; Wolsey 7; McCartan 6; Stephenson 6; Brown 7 (sub Licata- 70 mins- 6); Preedy 6. Subs (not used) Parmenter, West.