Evesham United 2, Littleton 1

UNITED continued the pre-season programme with this local derby against Littleton on Tuesday.

In a keenly-contested first half, United took a slender 2-1 lead into the break with goals from Mark Wolsey and Grant Pinkney against a single reply from Nick Burrows.

Evesham took the lead in the third minute after the referee had adjudged Littleton goalkeeper Adam Moss to have fouled Simon Marsh, and Wolsey scored from the resultant penalty.

Any thoughts that this was to be an easy encounter for the Robins were dispelled as Littleton found a ninth minute equaliser. Darren Reeves, receiving the ball in midfield, played a great ball over the top for Burrows to run in and lob advancing 'keeper Damion Quailey.

Littleton almost took the lead in the 16th minute but Reeves' shot came back off the post with Quailey well beaten.

Littleton competed well in the first half and it took the Robins until the 42nd minute to restore their lead.

After good work down the left involving Kris Sage, Matt Staley and Danny James the ball found its way to Grant Pinkney, who had time and space to beat the advancing goalkeeper.

With both teams making second half changes the game failed to reach the entertainment levels of the first period with neither team creating a clear cut chance.

Long-range efforts from Wesley Joyce and Nathan Jukes never tested substitute goalkeeper Lee Rogers and further missed chances by Joyce and Mark Shepherd preceded a fine saving tackle by Andy Smith to prevent a late Littleton equaliser.

On Saturday United entertain Moor Green at Common Road in a friendly (3pm).

On Tuesday the first team take on Hinckley United at Common Road (7.45pm).

On Wednesday United's youth team entertain Bedworth United at Common Road (7.45pm).