Evesham 2, Stratford 1

EVESHAM returned to winning ways in Saturday's Coaching Solutions West Midlands Premier League match to move into third place in the table.

Against a side that have traditionally provided tough opposition, the home side produced some breathtaking play at times to dominate proceedings, partic- ularly in the first half when Chris Perry, Stuart Harris and Matt Baumber were outstanding.

The hosts made a few positional changes moving Perry to sweeper and this allowed Nick Lloyd to move into midfield where he and Baumber controlled the middle of the pitch.

After an opening 20 minutes during which time Evesham completely dominated the game, a quick cross into the area saw Stuart Bearcroft skilfully turn the ball past the keeper.

Confidence

This seemed to give the scorer confidence and he led the front line well, with admirable support from Mark Brown, Miles Harris and Ben Brown.

The home side showed composure in defence and, with goalkeeper James Nicholas in inspired form, the visitors soon became frustrated.

It was no surprise then when a well-worked short corner allowed Baumber to flick an unstoppable shot past the Stratford goalkeeper.

The visitors played further forward after the break and tried to deny Evesham space in midfield.

Stuart Harris worked tirelessly to link between defence and attack while Jamie Dodgson provided glimpses of both brilliance and carelessness along the right flank.

Evesham began to lose their shape under pressure and, when Nicholas was harshly judged to have trapped the ball in front of goal, the resultant successful penalty stroke gave Stratford a glimpse of an unlikely draw.

The last ten minutes proved hectic as Evesham squandered possession in an attempt to force a third goal but eventually they rega-ined their composure in the dying minutes to secure a well deserved victory.

Evesham travel to War-wick on Saturday for another league outing.

West Midlands

Premier Division

P W D L F A Pts

Wednesbury 3 3 0 0 8 2 9

Solihull Blossom 2 2 0 0 9 1 6

Evesham 3 2 0 1 7 8 6

Kidderminster 3 1 2 0 15 13 5

Stone 3 1 1 1 18 15 4

Warwick 3 1 1 1 7 6 4

Old Halesonians 2 1 0 1 3 3 3

Old Silhillians 3 1 0 2 7 9 3

Stratford 3 1 0 2 5 7 3

Bloxwich 3 1 0 2 3 8 3

Old Wulfrunians 3 1 0 2 7 13 3

KH Pickwick 3 0 0 3 3 7 0

Evesham Ladies 3,

Kings Heath II 1

EVESHAM maintained their improved form with a fantastic second half display to earn a well-deserved victory against strong opponents.

The visitors used their experience to start the stronger and, despite some excellent work in midfield and defence, they took an early lead with close-range strike that gave keeper Charmaine Mitchell no chance.

The hosts were a different side in the second period when they began to pass the ball more fluently and with more purpose.

It seemed as soon as they scored once the flood gates would open and this proved to be the case.

Emily Capaldi beat the keeper with a deft piece of skill ten minutes from time and it wasn't long before Tasha Kuiper gave Eve-sham a deserved lead.

With the game still in the balance, it was left to Becky Higgs to seal victory on the last few minutes.

Severn Ladies League North

P W D L F A Pts

Bretforton 3 3 0 0 8 1 9

Marlborough 3 2 1 0 12 3 7

Bath Buccs II 3 2 0 1 7 2 6

Lansdown II 3 1 1 1 4 2 4

Cheltenham II 3 1 1 1 4 4 4

East Glos 3 1 1 1 2 2 4

Devizes 3 1 0 2 3 6 3

City of Bath 3 0 2 1 1 4 2

Clifton III 3 0 1 2 2 8 1

Cirencester 3 0 1 2 4 15 1