EVESHAM United took a giant step towards lifting the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup for the first time in their history when a James Brown goal gave them a fine 1-1 draw at Moor Green in the first leg of the final last night at the Moorlands.

The Moors, of the Dr Martens League Premier Division, went ahead as early as the second minute when the unfortunate Russell Parmenter turned Craig Woodley's cross into his own net.

United's equaliser arrived on 50 minutes when youth team player Brown climbed above the home defence to head home Mark Wolsey's free kick from the right.

The Robins thought they had grabbed a winner in the closing minutes, but Phil Preedy's effort was disallowed for offside.

But Phil Mullen's men will be in confident mood for the second leg, which will be at their Common Road ground next Tuesday, May 1 (7.45).

United: Beattie 7, Smith 9, Pendleton 7, Clark 7, Powell 7, Licata 6, Wolsey 7, Parmenter 7, Pratt 7 (Preedy 62), Taylor 8, Brown 7 (Gallagher-Kennett 88), Subs not used, Davies, Maybury, Houghton.

H Star man: Andy Smith.

Attendance: 279.

* Evesham continue their quest for a top three finish in the Dr Martens Western Division when they entertain lowly Racing Club Warwick tomorrow (3pm).