Droitwich 1, Evesham 2

EVESHAM continue to make steady, if sluggish, progress after recording their second win in three matches in the Coaching Solutions West Midlands Premier League.

With both sides struggling for form, the game had few moments of real quality as both teams seemed unable to string together any passing moves.

The hosts also struggled as, although they were able to travel with a squad of 14, at least two were suffering from illness and two more with injuries.

The game started well, though, as the visitors dominated midfield possession through Seb Seneque and Matt Bau-mber, but support from the flanks was too distant and only Stuart Harris managed to get on the end of his teammates' efforts.

Evesham looked strong enough at the back with Neil Sollis, Frank Lake and James Tickle well organised by Martin Husbands and Droitwich only looked like scoring once in the first half.

Evesham tried to up the tempo and break the deadlock and they began to show more imagination in attack.

Jon Vickery played with gusto on the left, while Harris began to evolve into his new central striking role and the stalemate was broken as scrappy play in the Droitwich area gave Baumber the chance to find the net.

Within minutes, a short corner move led to Harris extending the lead.

The game appeared safe until a dubious decision five minutes from time gave the home side a short corner from which they managed to skilfully flick the ball into the net past a stranded Guy Cassey.

This was only Droitwich's first shot on goal in the half and yet panic seemed to set in and a rash tackle gave the home side a chance to equalise.

They worked the same set-piece move but the flick was saved on the line by player/manager Husbands.

The winners conclude the first half of their season against Finchfield at Eve-sham High School on Saturday (2.30pm).