A DEPLETED Evesham United side gained a well-deserved 2-1 win at Atherstone United in the Dr Martens Western Division.

A growing injury list, forced manager Phil Mullen to name youth team striker Danny James for his first league start of the season and two more youth team players, Grahame Hay and Matt Staley were on the bench.

Then after only four minutes, Neil Illman limped off and was replaced by defender Paul West, who despite carrying a hamstring injury, had to play up front.

The game burst into life on the half hour, when United scored twice in five minutes.

Mark Wolsey drifted in a free kick from the left and Steve Lutz got a touch to spend a looping shot over Adder's 'keeper Dale Belford.

Soon after, captain Andy Smith found West on the edge of the area and he curled a delightful shot into the roof of the net.

For the second game running, United conceded a penalty at the start of the second half, and again it was missed. This time Chris Taylor made a fine save, diving to his left to push behind Kevin Charley's spot kick.

Midway through the half the game was held up for 15 minutes following an injury to one of the linesmen. After frantic calls for a replacement, the flag was taken up by Mervyn Collins, sports editor of the Evesham Journal.

United were soon on the attack after the re-start. James twice went close with a header and a fierce volley and Grant Pinkney rolled a shot against an upright.

Atherstone pulled a goal back with the last kick of the game. A nod down by Ian McKenna was prodded home by substitute, Chris Day.

Evesham: Taylor 7, Smith 7, Wol-sey 8, Khela 8, Joyce 7, Mullen 7, Lutz 7, H Barnett 9, Illman (West 4, 7), Pinkney 7, James 7. Subs not used: Hay, Staley, Davies, Ladek.

Attendance: 168.