EVESHAM United paid the price for missing a bucket load of chances in a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Cinderford Town.

They had a great opportunity in the second minute of injury-time to salvage a draw in last night's Southern League Division One West encounter.

But, after Matthew Hall had been brought down in the box by Luke Buttery, Cinderford 'keeper Steve Benbow saved Richard Ball's spot-kick.

It summed up Evesham's evening as chance after chance went begging and, long before the penalty miss, Cinderford seemed destined to hang onto their one-goal lead.

The goal that was to decide the contest arrived in the ninth minute. Rob Cruse crossed from the right and Mark Matthews headed home.

After this, United peppered the home goal without forcing an equaliser.

Three times Jermaine Clarke headed wide from inside the six-yard box and, on another night, Ball could have claimed a hat-trick.

Despite the defeat, Evesham remain in second spot after third-placed Yate Town lost 2-0 at home to leaders Mangotsfield United.

Evesham: T Clarke 7, Watson 6, O'Sullivan 6 (D Williams 73), *Hamilton 8, Hands 7, O'Toole 5 (Fitter 68, 6), Hall 6, Blake 6, Ball 6, J Clarke 6, Pinkney 6. Subs not used: Duncan, S Williams, Lewis.

Attendance: 151.