EVESHAM United avoided relegation on goal difference following a 0-0 draw away at Taunton Town on the final day of the season.
The Robins needed to better Weymouth’s result to avoid the drop as the latter side’s 2-0 defeat at Berkhamsted coupled with Evesham’s goalless draw ensured the Robins survived.
Evesham finished the Southern League Premier South season in 18th place, just one spot above the relegation zone.
The Robins started the final day in the bottom four and Taunton went close early on as Dan Koita sent a volley high and wide after controlling Owen Brain’s lofted pass on his chest.
Evesham responded with a chance of their own as Andre Wright fired a snapshot over the crossbar.
Taunton hit the woodwork later in the first half as Scott Robinson’s header clipped the top of the bar from Alfie Moulden’s chipped ball to the back post.
Chances remained at a premium as Brain’s mazy run past three defenders only amounted to a corner.
Evesham’s best chance of the first half saw Wright’s free-kick from 25-yards out blocked by the Taunton wall.
United goalkeeper Alex Harris denied Moulden late in the first half after Taunton unlocked the Evesham defence before a medical emergency in the stands led to a lengthy delay.
Harris dealt with Harry Shield’s dangerous cross after the break before Taunton goalkeeper Freddie Godden gathered Kai Churchley’s effort at the other end.
Evesham spurned another chance when Ethan Dunbar beat the offside trap only to see his shot drift past the post from a tight angle in the box.
Harris saved from Ben Seymour late on to keep the scores level before Godden prevented Nick Grimes from putting through his own net at the other end.
Taunton almost snatched the points at the death as Mike Barber headed Jack Rice’s free-kick against the crossbar.
News of Weymouth’s defeat filtered through Wordsworth Drive as Evesham prepared to see out eight minutes of injury time.
And the Robins duly held firm to secure safety on the final day which sparked jubilant celebrations amongst the away supporters, players and management team.
