TWO goals from Sam Bowen ensured Evesham United remained the only side in the Dr Martens League Western Division with a 100 per cent record after a pulsating 3-2 victory over Rugby United at Common Road last night.

Only 56 seconds had elapsed when former Worcester City striker Bowen latched onto a Mark Wolsey pass after a good move to sidefoot home.

Rugby were denied an equaliser on five minutes when Nigel Niblett's effort was ruled out for an infringement.

But, just 60 seconds later, another free kick found Marvin Marston who made it 1-1 with a glancing header.

Bowen's class was on full display when, after 22 minutes, he cut in from the left, shimmied past two Rugby defenders and beat Paul Beresford low to his right from the edge of the box.

However, the Robins surrendered the lead again three minutes into the second half. The lively Robbie Beard crossed from the left and an unmarked Pete Spacey headed the eqauliser.

But the Robins saved the best till last. After breaking the off-side trap, Dean Roberts chased a long ball from halfway, brought it down and smashed it past Beresford with the outside of his right boot from 18 yards.

Evesham made their management and fans sweat right to the final whistle as they squandered good opportunities and allowed an impressive visiting team back into the game.

But it should be said that Evesham won their first four games last term and still finished 14th.

Evesham: Beattie 7, Smith 7, Pendleton 7, Rogers 7, Powell 7, Taylor 7, Wolsey 7, McCartan 7, Bowen 9, Roberts 8, Preedy 8 (Licata 90). Subs not used: Brown, Parmenter.

H Star man: Sam Bowen.

Attendance: 210.

On Saturday Bowen hit another brace in the Robins' 3-1 win at Gresley Rovers.

Roberts brought down a Steve Taylor pass to put Evesham ahead on 24 minutes before setting up Bowen to lob home.

Gresley pulled one back through Matt Boyles before Bowen took a Taylor pass round the 'keeper to score 11 minutes from time.

Evesham: Beattie 8, Smith 8, Pendleton 8, Rogers 9, Powell 8, Taylor 8, Wolsey 7, McCartan 7, Bowen 7, Roberts 8, Preedy 7 (Licata 77). Subs not used: Brown, Parmenter.

Star man: Darren Rogers.