BOSS Paul Collicutt was left all smiles following a dominant display which sealed Evesham United’s 4-0 friendly victory over Midland League Premier Division opponents Stourport Swifts.
It was another encouraging display by the Robins as two goals from Bradley Gray and one each for Nick Stanley and Matt Williams concluded a one-sided contest on the banks of the River Severn.
With a number of impressive performances, Collicutt has plenty of food for thought ahead of the big Southern League Division One South & West kick-off next Saturday when the Robins travel to Larkhall Athletic.
Evesham round off their pre-season schedule with a trip to Dorchester Town tonight (Friday).
“Everyone I had available played some part in the game, against Stourport apart from Greg Peel who had been ill all week but insisted on travelling,” said Collicutt.
“It was our first friendly away from home and I thought it was a good work-out.
“I was pleased for Bradley Gray who got a couple of goals and I thought we bossed the game throughout.
“The only downside were injuries to Leroy Odiero and Paul Fahy, along with Nick Hancock who hobbled off against Pershore Town the previous evening.
“We are progressing nicely and move on to Dorchester Town on Friday night which will be another good test for us.”
United made a great start at Walshes Meadow, with Stanley coolly slotting home a third-minute penalty after Joel Caines had brought down Jordan Bryan in the box.
The Robins continued to press for the rest of the half with James Campbell twice, Ashley Williams and Bryan all forcing Dominic Richards to pull off diving saves.
When the Swifts stopper was beaten, Leroy Odiero’s header crashed against the crossbar and over.
Swifts’ best chance arrived on the stroke of half-time when Sam Gilder made a fine point-blank save to keep out skipper Sam Beasley.
Richards made further stops from Gray and Adam Mann early in the second-half before Campbell delivered a right-wing cross to the back post which found Gray who easily tucked away for 2-0 in the 61st minute.
The predatory Gray was on target again with 11 minutes to go, this time latching onto Jordan Lymn`s through ball and firing beyond the advancing Richards into the bottom corner.
Gray missed a golden opportunity to grab a hat-trick by blazing over and young midfielder Archie Haskayne did likewise soon after.
But with five minutes to go, Stanley snaked his way down the left and found Williams who completed the scoring with a well placed header to complete a comfortable win for the Robins.
On Wednesday night, the Robins drew 1-1 at Littleton with Mark Magee bagging the second-half equaliser.
