EVESHAM United kept a firm grip on third place in Southern League Division One South & West after coming from behind to defeat in-form Winchester City 3-1 at the Jubilee Stadium on Wednesday.
Buoyed by seven victories in their last eight league games, Winchester looked good for another when Craig Feeney followed up to score with a header after United keeper Kevin Sawyer had parried Howard Neighbour’s first-time shot in the 28th minute.
However, following the break it was a different story and prolific Evesham marksman Lance Smith equalised with a clinical finish two minutes into the second half.
Midway through the second period the home side took the lead when Liam Harding had time to shoot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Adam Mann then sealed the visitors’ fate in the 73rd minute with a cool finish from 20 yards.
Evesham have the chance to further strengthen their play-off aspirations on Saturday when they travel to Bristol to face fifth placed Mangotsfield United.
THERE was delight for United’s youth team as they defeated Midland Floodlit Youth League Southern Division (under 18s) leaders Bromsgrove Sporting 1-0 on Monday.
The hosts started brightly, but it took until the 20th minute for the first attempt on goal when Will Middleton sent a shot narrowly over following a lengthy run.
Another United effort saw Dan Tustin shoot wide past a helpless Bromsgrove keeper.
Evesham deservedly took the lead in the 38th minute when a great through ball was latched on to by Ewen Dunbar and he drove the ball under the oncoming keeper.
In the 41st minute Bromsgrove threatened but Nathan Taylor was able to make a comfortable save.
The second half was very competitive, but there were only a few chances for either team. Middleton again went on a mazy run, beating three players in the process, but his cross evaded everyone.
Other Evesham opportunities came for Dunbar and Tustin but the second goal proved elusive.
Bromsgrove were restricted to only two further chances thanks to solid defensive performances from Reece Walmsley, Harry Jacob, Charlie Smith and Brad Izod.
As the game entered the closing stages, Brad Stalley could have added to Evesham’s lead but his header went wide.
Evesham sit second in the table but, with others having games in hand, a top three finish appears to be the most realistic target.