A welcome return to form saw Evesham United beat Rocester 4-1 in the Dr Martens League Western Division last night.

Despite several regulars being rested ahead of tomorrow's first leg of the Worcestershire Senior Cup final at Moor Green, United proved too strong far a Rocester side, who had gained ten victories on their travels this season, but offered very little as an attacking force last night.

United controlled proceedings during the opening 45 minutes but failed to make the breakthrough they deserved and at half time both sides were locked in a goalless stalemate.

The deadlock was eventually broken six minutes into the second-half. Stuart Payne was on hand to score from close range after good work by Andy Smith and Joe Licata.

On 71 minutes full back Smith made it 2-0 with the best goal of the game. He received a pass from Licata 20 yards out and unleashed a stunning strike past the helpless John Edensor in the Roman's goal.

The visitors clawed themselves back into the game, by pulling a goal back with nine minutes to go. The impressive Emeka Ejiafor's back heel set up Andy Holmes 12 yards out and he netted past Damien Beattie via an upright.

Within a minute, any thoughts of a tense finish went out the window, when United restored their two-goal advantage. Edensor failed to hold a Paul Davies drive, and Payne was quickest to react to tuck away the rebound.

In injury-time, Davies was again involved, when he helped on Payne's pass to Andy Hodgetts and the youngster netted a fourth with a clinical finish and give the scoreline a more realistic look after United's domination.

United: Beattie 7, Smith 9, Pendleton 7, Clark 6, Powell 6, Licata 6, Wolsey 6, Hodgetts 6, Davies 7, Payne 7, Parmenter 6 (Beard 52, 6). Subs not used: Pratt, Brown.

United are running a supporters' coach to Moor Green tomorrow. The coach will depart from the Bus Station, High Street at 6.15pm.

Several matches involving local sides were called off last night because of waterlogged pitches.

They included Stourport Swifts' Midland Alliance game at Wednesfield which leaves the title-chasing Walshes Meadow outfit facing the prospect of playing seven league games before a week on Saturday.

Bromsgrove Rovers' scheduled Dr Martens League Western Division clash at Racing Club Warwick was also called off while other postponement victims included Westfields at Wolverhampton Casuals and Bromyard Town at Kington Town, both in the Banks's Brewery League Premier Division.