Evesham Utd 0, Worcester City 0

ANOTHER performance that typified United's resilience, while also proving just what a key figure Matty Hall could be during the new Southern League season.

The winger, who so often flattered to deceive last term, was in imperious mood down the right where he caused the Conference North visitors no end of problems in what was a fiercely contested warm-up contest.

That Evesham failed to capitalise on Hall's wizardry was down to some gallant defending, wayward finishing and unkind bounces and that is one part of the home side's game that will need remedying come August 13.

Defensively, United were uncompromising, quick and in no mood to be breached but they were indebted to triallist Jamie Lawrence for clearing one second half effort off the line and, like Anthony Watson, getting his foot in the way of another goalbound strike.

Worcester were outplayed for much of the opening 45 minutes when United's slick passing and ability to find Hall's feet must have delighted Paul West.

There were was little to worry the assistant manager whose decision to make five changes at the break interrupted the pattern of his side's play but failed to harden the resolve of a squad that, on the evidence so far, shouldn't have any problem in maintaining top flight status.

The match threatened to boil over on several occasions with Lee Knight, who else, claiming the first card of the season for a scything challenge on George Clegg.

Richard Ball came closest to breaking the stalemate in the first half with a free-kick that was touched over the top by Danny McDonnell and a left-foot volley from a Hall centre that he really should have found the target with.

Richard Robinson found the net after the break but the referee adjudged that Steven Hands had pushed a defender in heading on Gavin O'Toole's dead-ball kick.

City boss Andy Preece also made several changes in the second period when the match became scrappy and the former Evesham player could have been celebrating a winning return had Watson and Lawrence not showed their qualities at the back.

Liam Kelly saw a late looping header graze Tim Clarke's angle of post and bar but a goal then would have been hard to swallow on a day when Evesham again showed that they can mix it with higher status opponents.