SHOTS and stops of the highest possible order lifted United into the top two of the Western Division, writes Mervyn Collins.

Three top quality strikes and some heroic defending earned the visitors a fourth league win on their travels but manager Phil Mullen was in cautious mood after a nerve-tingling finale.

"I wasn't worried," he admitted. "We've got ourselves back on track after the hiccup at Cinderford. We've done this before and we've got to ensure now that we get the right result at Gresley on Saturday."

Mullen was without suspended duo Steve Lutz and Mark Wolsey, while goalkeeper Danny Watson was sidelined with a hamstring strain. Replacement Darren Steadman was beaten by Simon Hollis's thumping ninth minute strike but certainly earned his corn during a frantic finale.

Latest recruit Guy Hadland made it two goals in two games with a stunning volley after 24 minutes as Evesham came back into a game they proceeded to dominate until the closing stages.

Andy Hodgetts spurned a couple of glorious headed opportunities either side of half-time but the striker more than made amends with an exquisite volley after 62 minutes that beat Jason Pearcey all ends up.

Two minutes later the Solihull keeper was again left grasping at thin air as Phil Preedy's delightful curler sent the large Evesham following into ecstacy.

However, the fans were left biting their nails when Steadman, who had produced a fine save to keep out a Richard Beale drive, got his wires crossed with Steve Taylor and Nick Amos headed Borough back into the game.

Steadman atoned for his mistake with a fabulous double save to deny Derek Hall and Craig Dutton.

Amos then saw a late header hacked clear, while Steadman was alert as Hall and Lee Saunders homed in on an equaliser.

Seven minutes of stoppage time added to the anxiety during which time Richard Clark produced three blocks of supreme bravery as Solihull sensed the hint of a point.

Swift revenge

Substitute Steve McCartan's free-kick almost settled the nerves but Evesham clung on to exact swift revenge for defeat at Common Road six weeks ago.

"I've got some decisions to make before Satur-day," said Mullen. "But the changes I was forced to make tonight just shows that we have got some strength in depth.

"It was said we were having a bad time of it before tonight but we've done ourselves a huge favour and now we've got to ensure we make the most of it."