EVESHAM United Under-12s travelled to Nene Park, the home of Rushden and Diamonds, last Saturday to take part in the Diamond Cup, a six-a-side competition open to all clubs in the country.

The opening match saw the Robins overwhelm Scawby Jets as their superior passing game left their opponents chasing shadows. Joa Turner, Dan Coupe and Lewis Ridley all scored in a convincing 3-1 win.

The second game was tougher as United struggled to break down the Earls Barton defence until James Martin fired home from a Lewis Ridley free-kick late on to secure the points. Game three saw an even contest between two competent sides and the result could have gone either way.

An error from the City Colts Youth goalkeeper resulted in a penalty for the Robins but the keeper atoned for his error when saving from Coupe. He was unlucky then to see Martin follow up and smash home the rebound.

With maximum points in the bag, a win from the last two matches would secure Robins a place in the quarter-finals - but it wasn't to be.

GNG Bedford fired three past a lacklustre Common Road side who struggled to threaten the opposition goal.

The final group match saw Robins take on unbeaten Corby Hellenic and were unlucky to go behind after the ball had clearly gone out of play.

The response was positive as they surged forward in search of the win that they needed. Turner, Martin and Coupe all went close, but Corby caught Robins twice on the break to take a 3-0 lead.

Martin pulled one back and was then denied by an excellent save. Despite their best efforts, Evesham just couldn't get the goals they needed and bowed out of the competition.