EVESHAM United exited the FA Trophy as they were edged out 1-0 at higher ranked Frome Town in Wednesday’s first qualifying round replay.
Clearcut chances were hard to come by and it was Jon Davies’ second half strike into the top corner from Darren Jefferies assist which secured the Somerset side’s progress after the sides had drawn 1-1 at the Jubilee Stadium on Saturday.
Frome will now visit Southern League Division One Central side Hanwell Town in the second qualifying round, whilst the fourth placed Robins will turn their attentions to Division One South & West matters as they take their six-match winning league run to Barnstaple Town on Saturday.
It was a frustrating exit for the Robins, who in truth should have seen off their Premier Division opposition on home soil at the first attempt.
Adam Mann’s 50th goal for the club gave Paul Collicutt’s side a 13th-minute lead when a ball in from the left was brought down by Mann and in one movement he fired across Frome keeper Phillips into the bottom corner.
Lance Smith, Nick Stanley and Paul Fahy all went close to doubling the hosts’ advantage but against the run of play Frome levelled in the 57th minute when substitute Aiden Kirby set up Davies who fired past United keeper Kevin Sawyer from just inside the box.
To make matters worse for the Robins, influential midfielder Ashley Williams was sent off late on following a lunge on former United team-mate Clayton Green and will now face a three game ban for his misdemeanour.
