MANAGER Phil Mullen reckons on a minimum of six defeats if a side is to win the Western League title.

Evesham have now lost three times in nine league games this season so their championship hopes would now appear distant.

However, it promises to a wide open promotion tussle as Mullen's men weren't the only ones to suffer last weekend. Leaders Clevedon Town slumped 5-2 at home to Shepshed - a result that only served to make Saturday's reverse even more galling.

Cinderford aren't the pushovers of last season. They have drawn with both Solihull and Chippenham and they were more than a match for the Robins.

The Forest of Dean outfit look to have unearthed a star striker in David Bird as the 16-year-old debutant fired in a hat-trick to demolish the visitors.

The teenager, who has already played for Cheltenham Town Reserves, didn't really have to exert himself on an afternoon of numerous opportunities in front of goal.

Bird completed his memorable treble in stoppage time as Cinderford scored three times in the last five minutes to leave the visiting fans in a state of shock.

There was little hint of the misery to come as Evesham sought to hit back after going behind after 34 minutes when Bird tapped into to an empty net after Danny Watson had parried Clayton Hook's shot.

Post-match inquest

Had the unmarked Steve Lutz not managed to head a 44th minute chance wide then the post-match inquest might not have been necessary.

As it was both Mullen and assistant Paul Davies were left to apologise for another sorry showing as United's season continues in a topsy-turvy manner.

Dean Roberts replaced Stuart Payne at the break and the move almost paid instant dividends as the new man was denied by a post just two minutes after the restart. Andy Fisher tipped over Lutz's follow-up before receiving lengthy treatment for a knee injury.

Lutz sliced badly wide after Mark Wolsey's surging run had taken him clear of the defence before an amazing two minutes of play brought a handful of chances.

Phil Preedy's thumping drive was parried to safety by Fisher while Wolsey directed a free header narrowly wide. Cinderford, though, had the better chances but failed to take advantage three times with Watson exposed.

Evesham's keeper made a superb stop to keep out Bird's point-blank header but the inevitable happened 21 minutes from time when Preedy, who had been seeing plenty of the ball, was again made the scapegoat for the visitors' shortcomings up front.

Lutz was the other casualty as Steve Taylor and Andy Hodgetts were called off the bench but neither made an impression.

Richard Clark's thumping header after 73 minutes brought out the best in Fisher, while the ever-alert Watson thwarted Daryl Addis seconds later.

United's rearguard was now being opened up with ever-increasing regularity and two more chances were spurned before Watson's legs denied Addis but Bird stroked in the rebound.

Two minutes remained for United to get on the scoresheet but Roberts failed to hit the target from ten yards and two more breakaways saw Bird complete his hat-trick and Chris Bale cap a miserable afternoon for the visitors in the 93rd minute.

Sam Bowen's hopelessly directed free kick summed up an awful time for the Common Roaders and one wonders just what to expect when struggling Gloucester City come to town tomorrow night!