HAVING had to endure a good old ear-bashing by assistant manager Paul West over comments written after the defeat at Mangotsfield, he will be pleased to read that United played like potential champions last Saturday - for 45 minutes at least!

This promotion clash did live to its top billing with the Robins showing commitment, slick passing and, thanks to Richard Ball, marvellous finishing as the Common Roaders sent the majority of the season's biggest crowd home happy.

Commitment might have cost them the services of Simon Fitter after only two minutes but the referee deemed yellow sufficient after a horrendous-looking challenge on Mark Benbow.

Neil O'Sullivan then incurred the wrath of the Rovers' contingent with another rash tackle that again rightly earned a caution but those challenges set the tone and Evesham dominated the opening 45 minutes.

They should have been three ahead at the break yet almost found themselves trailing when Kevin Banner struck a post with only Tim Clarke to beat in the 42nd minute.

A minute later and Ball raced clear only to be driven wide by two Bromsgrove markers but the striker unleashed a left-foot strike that nestled in the far corner.

Having taken the central route downfield during a disappointing period of form, the introduction of on loan Moor Green winger Matty Hall gave the hosts an outlet that they utilised to maximum effect.

Hall was signed by Dave Busst 24 hours before the game and lined up alongside fellow Moors man Daire Doyle and the pair certainly helped the Robins become a transformed attacking unit.

It wasn't all about the two new men as Anthony Watson, Stuart Hamilton and the recalled Steve Hands were all superb at the heart of a defence that gave goalkeeper Clarke maximum support to suppress Jimmy Mullen's men.

O'Sullivan came close to giving United the lead when his 21st minute header hit a post before Ball and strike partner Clarke were crowded out as they attempted to turn the ball in from close-range.

Ball and Hall were then left with red faces when visiting goalkeeper Ian Gandy outwitted the pair inside his own area but the latter was still pulling the strings although it needed a mistake at the back to allow Ball a run on goal that brought him a fourth goal in six games.

Whatever Mullen said to his players at half-time certainly worked because Hall was starved of possession until late on while Rovers suddenly had men to spare all over the park as the hosts looked to sit back on the lead.

It looked a dangerous game to play but Clarke was virtually untroubled although an equaliser would surely have made Rovers favourites to move within three points of their hosts with three matches in hand.

It was amazing that the match wasn't all-square on 53 minutes when a header from Ross Collins was blocked on the line an almighty scramble ensued with Watson and then Clarke getting in the way of close-range shots before the relieved keeper smothered the ball on the goalline.

Namesake Jermaine limped off on the hour with Steve Duncan given a role alongside Ball who sealed victory ten minutes from time with a fourth tremendous strike within the space of seven days.

Gavin O'Toole's quick free-kick sent Ball clear down the left edge of the penalty area from where he smashed a rasping left-footer into the roof of the net.

The striker's arrival at Christmas illustrated the club's ambitions to get out of this division. However, service from his colleagues hasn't been forthcoming but the inclusion of Hall and Doyle certainly remedied that problem and Ball's goals could yet prove the difference between a top two finish and a top six play-off spot.