Warwick 6, Evesham 2

ONCE again, Evesham failed to capitalize on early chances and conceded too many soft goals in their latest Coaching Solutions West Midlands premier league game.

Evesham started brightly and within the first 15 minutes had a number of good chances to score. Good work from Stuart Harris and Martin Husbands created a number of openings through skill and determination, but the chances saw Stuart Bearcroft hit the post; Jon Vickery and Steve Miller confuse each other in front of an empty net and Matt Baumber strike the goalkeeper from at least two short corners.

After missing these chances, the Vale side then fell into the trap of recent weeks in conceding soft goals when seemingly on top. The new formation may have provided more attacking thrust but gaps in defence were exposed as direct hockey through the middle of the pitch gifted Warwick two goals within as many minutes.

As the half progressed, the visitors once again had their chances but failed to find the net and poor distribution from defence and in midfield gave the ball to an efficient Warwick side that counter-attacked with pace and purpose to expose Evesham with two further goals before half time.

Stern words from Baumber and Husbands at half time gave the visitors more focus and during the second half, Evesham concentrated on becoming more efficient with their play from the back. However, the poor concentration in defence - a feature of recent weeks - continued as Warwick's first attack of the half saw them extend their lead against the run of play.

Evesham battled on gamely and eventually scored their first league goal of the season when a Husbands cross was turned into the net neatly by James Tickle, but a mix-up in attack from Baumber saw Warwick manage to pass the ball just three times before Vickery conceded a penalty stroke in denying Warwick a certain goal.

The stroke was easily converted but Evesham managed to at least have the consolation of scoring the final goal of the game as Baumber eventually found the target from a short corner to beat an outstretched keeper. The result leaves Evesham at the foot of the table although the next few weeks sees them against sides in the bottom half of the table and opportunities to gain vital points.

Manager Husbands conceded after the game: "We simply have to stop conceding possession and distribute the ball better from defence."

Evesham will be looking to secure their first win of the campaign against King's Heath on Saturday (2pm at Evesham High School).