Sutton Coldfield Tn 3, Evesham Utd 2

ANOTHER late strike sentenced United to a sixth defeat in eight matches after Nick Heath's first goal in an Evesham shirt had levelled matters 14 minutes from time.

However, just like defeats at the hands of Clevedon, Redditch and Stourport, the winner arrived with time running out although Saturday's effort from Emeka Ejiofor still left the Robins five minutes to snatch an equaliser.

Once again, manager Phil Mullen was forced to pick players not 100 per cent fit as Mark Shepherd, Paul West and Grant Pinkney were all pressed into service.

Illness forced Wes Joyce to miss the penultimate match of a frustrating campaign that leaves United needing to pick up three points from Saturday's home date with Clevedon to secure a top ten finish.

The opening 45 minutes at Coles Lane brought little action in either goalmouth but all that changed after the interval.

Inderpaul Khela's left-foot finish from Shepherd's pass gave the visitors a 58th minute lead but it lasted just 60 seconds when Ejiofor was allowed time and space in the penalty area to shoot past Tim Hart.

Slack marking again gifted Sutton a second after 68 minutes when top scorer Simon Tucker was left unmarked to make it 2-1 as his header equalled the home club's scoring record off 33 goals in a season.

However, celebrations were again shortlived as Heath fired in a first time shot that left the points still in the melting pot.

It was Tucker the provider who set up his side's winner when he broke down the right from where his cross found Dominic Reece at the back post whose header into the six-yard box was easily converted by the lurking Ejiofor.

The misery didn't end there as substitute Daniel Lennon was taken to hospital after the match with a suspected broken ankle the result of a bad challenge late in the game.

Saturday's final match is being sponsored by Clarke Roxburgh, High Street, Evesham and the ball by John and Gladys Hawkins from Worcester.