Winchester City 0 Evesham United 1
Southern League Division One South
JOSH HUNT netted the only goal of the game as Evesham United bagged their first win of the league campaign in fine style – whilst ending the hosts’ 100 per cent record in the process.
The Robins had taken only one point from their opening three fixtures but turned their fortunes around superbly against their Hampshire hosts who had won all three league games prior to Saturday’s contest.
Neil Hunt’s visitors had to withstand early pressure from the hosts as Simba Mlambo fired over before Rob Carr and Ollie Balmer combined to set up Jamie Barron whose effort was well saved by Lewis Clayton.
Winchester went even closer to the opener when Carr teed up Tyrell Mitford whose effort struck the top of the crossbar.
Therefore, it came as a major setback and surprise to the home side when United bagged what proved to be the winner on 21 minutes when defender Kieran Douglas miskicked and Josh Hunt was able to capitalise by converting from close range.
Barron then had a strike saved by Clayton but Evesham were good value for their half-time lead in respect of their defensive endeavours.
The second half was an entertaining affair as Winchester poured forward but Evesham threatened on the break.
Carr had an effort cleared off the line by Robins skipper Matt Williams but it could have been 2-0 when Jamie Lucas burst through on goal, only for poor control to let him down and allow the home defence to clear the danger.
Home stopper Charlie Philpott made a smart save to deny Calvin Dinsley before at the other end Clayton did well to deny Balmer, but there were no further goals and Evesham were able to celebrate a precious victory.
Evesham’s next league game is the rearranged trip to Paulton Rovers on Wednesday, October 21. Before that, the Robins host Northern Premier League Division One South East side Carlton Town in the FA Trophy second qualifying round on Saturday.