Evesham Utd 0, Rugby Utd 0

SATURDAY'S scoreless contest at Common Road salvaged battered pride but drew little comfort in the way of entertainment for the home faithful.

Visiting goalkeeper Jason Pearcey was the reason behind United's blank afternoon as he produced excellent stops to deny Mark Shepherd and Nathan Jukes.

Chances were scarce at both ends but Tim Hart continued his fine form with a super save to keep out Dave Pearson's second half header.

Jay Powell had gone close for Evesham with a similar effort ten minutes before the break that failed to bring any new ideas to either mid-table side in the second period.

The hosts recovered well from the six-goal savaging at Gloucester with Inderpaul Khela, restored to the back line, in solid form.

Paul Oakey earned a first start, while Gary Barnett made a return to a starting eleven that lacked the suspended Wes Joyce, axed Scott Mullen and Aaron Shanahan and the injured Kris Sage.

Phil Mullen's side almost snatched the points and a fifth win in six in stoppage time but Shepherd's deflection off a Jukes shot diverted the ball agonisingly wide.

United face a double header of Western Division action with a visit to Shepshed on Saturday followed by a home game against Mangotsfield on Tuesday.

The midweek match is being sponsored by P J Nicholls, Station Road, Pinvin and the ball by Danespeed of Bilston.