Evesham 2, Kidderminster 2

EVESHAM secured a valuable point against strong and physical opponents as they continued to fight against relegation.

The hosts were positive from the start despite making several enforced changes due to illness and injury. The return of Jamie Dodgson provided stability in defence and opportunities for attack from deep, while the new formation seemed to provide a little more shape.

For the first time this season, Evesham opened the scoring. Ben Brown was moved to play in attack due to enforced changes and his pace created problems.

His selfless running provided channels for attack and a well-placed pass from Matt Baumber allowed Brown to round the goalkeeper before firing an unstoppable shot into the net.

Despite having more possession than the visitors, Evesham failed to extend their lead with Baumber and Stuart Bearcroft creating chances that the forwards squandered and it was no surprise when Kidderminster equalised shortly before the break.

The game was evenly poised after the break until the visitors sneaked a goal midway through yet Evesham showed excellent commitment to maintain their positive approach and discipline.

The Vale strugglers forced a series of short corners from which Baumber could have scored at least three goals, only for the efforts to either hit a post or be cleared off the line. However, he eventually managed to produce an unstoppable shot to level the scores.

As Evesham pressed forward, defenders Mark Armstrong and James Tickle needed to be at their sharpest and a goalline clearance from the latter ensured that the sides picked up a point apiece.

A delighted skipper Steve Miller said: "Relegation is in our hands. We've still to play the sides below us which means that Saturday's game at Old Halesonians is probably the biggest of the season."

West Midlands

Premier Division (bottom)

P W D L F A Pts

Kidderminster 16 4 3 9 31 62 15

Evesham 16 2 1 13 22 73 7

Old Hales 16 1 2 13 20 54 5

Droitwich 15 0 3 12 17 43 3