Evesham Utd 1, Yate Tn 1

WITHOUT wishing to reopen old wounds, Saturday's important Division One West contest was a huge anti-climax, writes Mervyn Collins.

The Robins didn't show anything like their real form yet were within two minutes of claiming three crucial points in their quest for automatic promotion against their closest rivals in what could yet prove a four-strong battle for runners-up spot.

All the leading quintet will have gained something from the scrappy Common Road action but it was leaders Mang-otsfield who had the broadest of smiles after Dave Elsey's 90th minute equaliser had denied Dave Busst's men the chance to move six points clear in second place.

The United boss had earlier sprung a surprise by leaving top scorer and new dad Richard Ball on the bench, preferring John Gayle alongside Jermaine Clarke who again benefited when opening the scoring from close-range after 31 minutes after Leon Blake had helped on Grant Pinkney's cross.

Ball entered the fray three minutes after the restart when Evesham appeared content just to hoof the ball upfield while soaking up pressure.

The tactics looked to have worked until Dave Carns and Gavin O'Toole jumped for the same ball following a free-kick in the Town half and the ball fell kindly for Elsey to find the net despite Tim Clarke's despairing efforts.

Yate didn't deserve to lose but, like their hosts, struggled to find their form as the importance of the occasion perhaps got the better of both sides.

Chances were at a premium in the glorious sunshine that had its disadvantages in the shape of a dry surface and high bouncing ball.

Both sides started brightly and it was Yate who created three good chances in the opening 26 minutes before striker Clarke found his route to goal at the opposite end snuffed out following Gayle's assist.

Marc Burrow then nodded Simon Fitter's corner over the bar but United's next attack saw Clarke net his 18th of the season.

Namesake Tim ensured that lead stayed intact with an instinctive save to tip over a close-range header from Darren Edwards but that was the last of the serious goalmouth action until midway through the second period.

A glut of yellow cards added to the stop start activity before the Clarkes were again centre stage. An error from Tim saw Burrow head a shot from Edwards off the line, while Jermaine shot wide under pressure.

Matty Hall replaced the limping Pinkney 20 minutes from time when Town also threw on their final two substitutes but with little effect.

Jason Wood headed a good chance over the top before Carns replaced Clarke after 86 minutes and it was the home goal that survived again when Adam Sims shot wide.

Just when it looked like the magnificent defensive work of Burrow, Steven Hands, Anthony Watson and Neil O'Sullivan would be rewarded, Elsey struck and the race for the Premier Division title took another turn.

There was still time for Hall to win it but Tony Court made the save to ensure a point for both teams, a five-point lead for Mangotsfield and a boost for away victors Bromsgrove and Clevedon.