Evesham 4, Stone 6
SATURDAY'S latest Coaching Solutions West Midlands Premier game saw Evesham's victory hopes slip away a game that they could have won.
After pulling level at 3-3, the home side failed to capitalise on some shaky defending, while always looking vulnerable at set-pieces at the other end.
Fielding their strongest line up of the season, Evesham started confidently yet it was the visitors who struck first from a well-worked short corner.
They soon extended their lead from a similar set-piece but the hosts showed excellent spirit in hitting back from the restart through the excellent Mark Brown on his return after a six-month absence.
The Stafford side were dangerous on the counter and they managed to slip a third past a helpless Guy Cassey.
Following more good passing from Matt Baumber and Seb Seneque, Evesham were awarded a penalty stroke when Stuart Bearcroft was brought down by the goalkeeper. Martin Husbands stepped up and converted the stroke before Matt Baumber equalised shortly before the break.
Evesham continued to attack after the restart and had an opportunity to take the lead for the first time but Husbands' second penalty flick rebounded off the crossbar.
Despite their increasing dominance and defending well as a team, the home side always looked vulnerable at set-pieces and Stone scored two goals in quick succession from well-placed short corners before Ben Brown pulled one back in the last few minutes to ensure a thrilling climax.
With only two minutes remaining, the otherwise excellent and industrious John Vickery missed a chance to snatch a last-gasp equaliser before Stone once again converted another short corner in the dying seconds.
Evesham travel to Walsall on Saturday when they continue their quest for safety from the relegation zone.
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