EVESHAM United continued their climb up Southern League Division One West with a 3-1 victory at Bromsgrove Rovers last night.

Dave Busst's side, now fifth in the table, were two up inside the first 17 minutes and never looked in danger of throwing their lead away.

For Rovers, it marked only their second league defeat of the season, the last back in August, and provided plenty of food for thought for boss Joe Jackson.

Having held joint league leaders Mangotsfield United to a goalless draw on Saturday, Rovers looked out of sorts with careless passing and poor communication. But they can ultimately blame nobody but themselves.

Evesham scored twice in a six-minute period and on both occasions a defensive tackle was nowhere in sight.

On 11 minutes Ravi Sangha was allowed to dally on the edge of the box before Simeon Williams crossed the ball and Grant Pinkney turned it in at the far post.

Then, with Rovers ball-watching again, Steve Duncan put the ball across and Sangha steered it past Matt Lowe into the bottom corner.

Mark Benbow had the hosts' best chance of the half but Evesham 'keeper Tim Clarke saved well with his feet.

Rovers were handed a lifeline three minutes after the break when referee Mr M Cairns awarded a penalty for a seemingly innocuous challenge on Paul Szewczyk, who duly despatched the spot kick.

Unable to capitalise, the hosts went off the boil, prompting manager Jackson into a double substitution on 59 minutes.

Just three minutes later, Evesham came close to restoring their two-goal advantage. Lowe saved Sangha's shot and the Rovers 'keeper was quick to smother Williams' rebound.

And it was a rebound that gave the visitors their third on 67 minutes. Former Rover Wesley Joyce smacked a free-kick into the wall but it fell kindly for Gavin O'Toole who lofted it into the top corner.

From there, Evesham looked comfortable and Rovers offered little in terms of scoring opportunities.

Rovers: Lowe 7, Frost 6, Ulfig (Collins 59) 5, Hillman 6, Townsend (Francis 90) 7, Allen 6, Jackson 6, Benbow 6, *SZEWCZYK 7, Campbell 6, Lennon (Appleton 59) 6. Subs not used: Mitchell, Gandy.

Evesham: T Clarke 7, Hands 6, Pinkney 7, Knight 8, Watson 7, Duncan 6, Blake 6, O'Toole (Fitter 90) 6, *SANGHA (Carns 68) 8, Joyce 6, S Williams (J Clarke 81) 7. Sub not used: D Williams.

Attendance: 232.