GARRY Hay fired in the winner two minutes from time to book Bromsgrove Rovers' place in Saturday's Southern League Division One Midlands play-off final.

The goal was harsh on Evesham who produced their best performance of the season and were left ruing a controversial decision.

Mark Owen was clean through after 58 minutes when he was hauled down by John Snape, but the otherwise excellent Mr Pardoe from Crewe only cautioned the former Worcester man. "That decision's turned the game," said an angry United manager Paul West.

"I've spoken to the referee and he says there were two covering defenders. That's absolute rubbish."

Opposite number Rod Brown said: "I couldn't bear to look because I thought it was going to be an obvious red card."

Both teams had penalty claims turned down with Snape lucky again early in the second-half when he appeared to trip Owen, while Nathan Lamey's theatrical tumble after 55 minutes had no effect on the referee.

The Robins created numerous chances with Danny Crane tipping Simon Fitter's free-kick on to the crossbar after 11 minutes and then denying Steve Duncan.

An error by Snape was then seized on by Danny Lennon who fed Owen but Crane blocked his shot. Liam Daly sent in a goal-bound header from the resulting corner that the Rovers goalkeeper diverted past a post.

Kevin Banner's left-footer then flashed over Lewis' bar while Hay missed a golden chance to give Bromsgrove the lead after 36 minutes.

Fitter's miscued clearance was not dealt with by the United defence but Hay ballooned his shot wildly over.

It was all Evesham at the start of the second-half but the home goal remained intact, despite Daly hitting the bar. Lewis kept United in the match with saves from Lamey and Hay, while Fitter hacked an effort off the line.

However, Hay fired past a helpless Lewis after a move started by Snape to earn Bromsgrove a home date with Willenhall, who won 1-0 at Chasetown.