RICHARD Ball's splendid hat-trick was not enough to ensure Evesham United automatic promotion after they out-gunned a weary Cinderford side playing their fourth match in five days.

Yate Town's victory at Rothwell meant United finished third in Southern League Division One West and entertained Ashford Town today in the play-off semi-finals.

United were first out of the blocks on Saturday and could have been four up inside the first 15 minutes.

United's man-of-the-match, Leon Blake, and Matthew Hall both shot over when in good positions.

Cinderford 'keeper Andy Fisher charged down a shot from Steve Duncan and then saved from Ball after the striker had been put clean through.

It looked as though it would remain scoreless before half-time but two goals in a minute swung the game Evesham's way.

With a minute to go to the interval, Ball headed home Matt Hall's corner at the back post.

Then, straight from the kick-off, Evesham regained possession and Ball again found the back of the net with a well-measured lob over Fisher.

With the visitors tiring in the heat, Evesham took full advantage to score two more in the second-half and keep their 19th clean sheet of the season.

Experienced substitute John Gayle set up Blake who volleyed in the third on 75 minutes.

And, four minutes from time, Ball completed his hat-trick, racing clear before driving home past Fisher.

Evesham: T Clarke 6, Watson 7, Pinkney 7 (D Williams 82), Hamilton 7, Hands 7, Burrow 6, Hall 7, *Blake 8, Ball 7, J Clarke 6 (Gayle 6, 6), Duncan 6 (Fitter 70, 6). Subs not used: S Williams, Lewis.

Attendance: 282.

n For more football reports from the weekend, see tomorrow's Worcester News.