A SINGLE first half goal from Phil Preedy was enough to lift Evesham out of the doldrums after successive defeats and into fourth place in the Dr Martens League Western Division.

Tuesday night's narrow win was a necessity in the wake of Saturday's poor show against Shepshed and, with several of United's title rivals also dropping points, the importance wasn't lost on manager Phil Mullen.

"It's all very interesting at the moment," he admitted. "Nobody's getting away teams like Cinderford, Gresley and Rocester are all taking points of sides at the top.

"We were down to the bare bones and just really needed to pep our game up. We showed no real zest on Saturday so I changed the system and played three up front. Once we got the goal and they had a man sent off we were never really in trouble.

"They had a chance late on when the flag stayed down but Danny (Watson) was in the right place to prevent an equaliser."

United are without a game on Saturday due to Mangotsfield's involvement in the FA Cup and Mullen admitted that the break had come at a good time.

"We have a number of players out injured and several others who are carrying knocks," he said. "We will have a couple of serious training sessions on Saturday and Tuesday in preparation for the FA Trophy tie at Dulwich when, hopefully, I will have a full squad to choose from."

A coach will be taking supporters to Dulwich Hamlet on November 3. Ring Andy Beasley on 01386 765108 for details.

The next league game is at home to Bloxwich on November 10, two days before a visit to Hednesford for a Dr Martens League Cup tie (7.45).