THE result of Saturday's Wor-cestershire derby could have been so different had Simon Fitter been sent off for a second minute challenge.

As it was Evesham's 2-0 win cemented third place in the table and lifted them nine points clear of seventh in the table Bromsgrove who have played three matches fewer.

"It was the worst tackle that I have seen in 20 years and a cowardly thing to do," said furious Victoria Ground boss Jimmy Mullen.

Assistant Bernard Mackey, the former Pershore Town manager, couldn't understand why referee Les Sinclair didn't dismiss the home midfielder. "It was a terrible tackle and all he got was a yellow card."

The home side's 11 men proved the better side on the day, boosted by debutants Matty Hall and Daire Doyle. However, both men recruited 24 hours before the crucial league match from Moor Green, won't be in Dave Bus-st's plans for tomorrow's trip to Cinderford Town.

Richard Ball, who netted both goals last weekend to take his tally to five in six matches since arriving from Sutton Coldfield, will again be partnered by Jermaine Clarke who is expected to shake off a knock he picked up in the bruising Bromsgrove battle.

Steve Duncan, who replaced the striker in the second half, is expected to be fit to start but United will still be without the suspended Lee Knight and Leon Blake.