A FIRST-half goal by Jermaine Clarke proved enough to enable Evesham United to beat Oxford City at Marsh Lane in Southern League Division One West.

The youngster pounced in the 24th minute to tap home the winner, his 13th goal of the season, after Oxford 'keeper Matt Finlay had palmed away Richard Ball's low drive.

From the off, Dave Busst's men were the better side and they should have wrapped the game up by half-time.

Clarke was presented with the best chance on 10 minutes but he blazed over with only Finlay to beat.

Then two opportunities in quick succession saw Ball head just over and have an effort disallowed for an infringement.

Although Oxford played with a strong wind at their backs in the second-half they never posed a threat against the high-flying visitors.

Finlay was at the heart of the action, smothering a shot from the dangerous Ball who tricked his way past a couple of defenders before firing in on goal.

Then Finlay produced the save of the match when he somehow managed to touch over a blistering drive from Simon Fitter.

Oxford ended the game with a flourish of corners but Tim Clarke in the Robins' goal handled them all comfortably to ensure Evesham's sixth league double and third straight win.

Evesham: T Clarke 7, Watson 7, Pinkney 7, Hands 7, Hamilton 7 (Carns 66, 6), O'Toole 7, Fitter 7, Duncan 7, *Ball 8, J Clarke 6, S Williams 6. Subs not used: D Williams, McFarlane, Lewis.

Attendance: 173.