EVESHAM United's Southern League Premier Division survival bid took another blow with their second home defeat over the holiday period.

The Robins, watched by 226 fans, fought back in the second-half against top-half outfit Merthyr Tydfil but the damage had already been done in their 2-1 loss.

Merthyr's Jason Welsh headed against the woodwork but made no mistake on 14 minutes by burying the rebound after goalkeeper Dave Adey pushed a Mike Fowler shot onto the post.

Evesham continued to be swamped and the Welsh visitors extended their lead six minutes later with Gary Shepherd sweeping home Welsh's cross.

But Dave Busst's side, who are third-from-bottom in the table with just a two-point advantage on Cheshunt, hit back in the second period.

Merthyr 'keeper pulled off two excellent saves to deny John Williams and top scorer Richard Bull before the pressure told on the hour mark.

Gavin O'Toole's free-kick was headed home by substitute Steve Duncan from 10 yards but Evesham were unable to put the equaliser past Darren Robison who replaced the injured Morris.

Merthyr missed a penalty though on 78 minutes with Fowler putting the spot-kick wide.