THERE were contrasting fortunes for Worcestershire's Pitching In Southern League Division One South clubs on New Year's Day.

In-form Evesham United remain in touch with the play-offs after a 1-0 home win over near-neighbours Bishops Cleeve.

But mid-table Malvern Town lost 2-1 at last season's Hellenic League Premier Division promotion rivals Cribbs.

For on-song Evesham, Jordy Ngathe's looping cross-shot on 31 minutes proved to be the difference on a wet afternoon.

An early shot for the hosts was well blocked at The Spiers & Hartwell Stadium but clear-cut chances were few and far between.

Yet out of the blue a throw-in was sent over to Ngathe whose cross ended up in the far top corner to delight the Robins' fans in a crowd of 335.

Evesham got on top and captain Amer Awadh's shot looked destined for the goal but ended up landing on the roof of the net.

Levi Steele threatened to add a second in the next 45 minutes, going close to meeting a low cross and then being put through by Aidan Clarke but dragging his shot wide.

And, with only one goal in it, Cleeve were encouraged to search for an equaliser only for the United defence to remain solid.

Substitute Zak Hodges nearly made the points safe when he was released on goal but fired over.

However, Evesham's win over their mid-table rivals ensured they are three points off the play-offs in sixth spot ahead of Saturday's visit to sixth-from-bottom Westbury United (3pm).

The Robins have only suffered one defeat in the last nine league games.

Meanwhile, early goals cost Malvern dear at title-chasing Cribbs who, after earlier appeals for a penalty, went ahead in the ninth minute when a free-kick was headed in by Reece Hedges.

Just two minutes later Jake Brown broke through before tucking home the second goal for the Bristol side.

Levi Francis went close for Malvern before the home side had a goal ruled out for offside.

Town enjoyed plenty of the ball but could not hit back until the first minute of stoppage time.

Jack Watts had previously fired into the side-netting before a Malvern strike from distance hit the woodwork and was turned in from close range by Ben Hayes on the rebound.

Twelfth-placed Malvern host third-from-bottom Yate Town on Saturday (3pm).

Town suffered a cruel injury-time 3-2 defeat at the hands of Evesham on Boxing Day at the HDAnywhere Community Stadium watched by 645 fans.