Evesham United failed to cause an upset when champions-elect Merthyr Tydfil extended their lead at the top of the Dr Martens Western Division with a 2-0 win at Common Road.

A shock result was never on the cards. Merthyr, who themselves struggled to get out of second gear, still had more than enough for an Evesham side who failed to force Martyrs 'keeper Neil Thomas to make a single save.

United's cause was not helped before the game as Inderpaul Khela and Nick Heath were both recalled by Kidderminster Harriers.

United never took advantage of a strong wind in the first 45 minutes and the visitors scored the only goal of the half. Robins 'keeper Tim Hart made a good save from Andy Mainwaring on 12 minutes but the ball slipped from his grasp and Justin Pritchard swept in the loose ball.

United's strike force of Wes Joyce and Mark Shepherd were rarely given a look-in by a well-organised Merthyr back four and a Paul West header that sailed well wide was the sum token of their efforts in the first half.

After the break, Hart made a wonderful save touching behind a Mainwaring over-head kick but could only stand and watch as a Paul Keddle snap shot whistled just over.

Merthyr defender Jason Price, then nearly turned a Nathan Jukes cross into his own net but this failed to fire up a lack-lustre United and with three minutes to go, Pritchard picked the ball up 30 yards out, and out of the blue let fly and gave Hart no chance with a powerful finish.

Evesham: Hart 6, Smith 6, Sage 6, West 6, Powell 6, Jukes 6, Wolsey 5, Oakey 6, Joyce 5, Shepherd 5 (Rollings 56, 4), Mullen 5 (Blake 75). Subs not used: Barnett, Lennon.

Attendance: 325.