DEFEAT may have not come along on a regular basis for Evesham United this season, but the one at the beginning of 2008 helped fire them on an unbeaten run which has taken Paul West's side to the top of the British Gas Business Division One Midlands table.

The Robins crashed to a 1-0 reverse on New Year's Day to Bishop's Cleeve, and since that setback, Evesham have yet to lose and they now sit two points clear at the summit. And Saturday they will look to stretch the unbeaten run to seven when they travel to Stourbridge (3pm).

"Losing is never a good thing but what it can do is give you a chance to reassess things," West said. "We are now in a fantastic position and everyone will be looking at us as a big scalp.

"I'm not surprised by the way my lads are playing, because they all have good pedigree, what they are doing now is fulfilling the potential they once showed.

"Stourbridge are a good side with some fantastic players and you only have to look at Stourport's results against the supposed whipping boys of the league Berkhamsted (0-0) to know that no game is easy."

West will welcome back midfielder Mark Hands to the squad for the first time since October as he has recovered from a groin operation earlier than expected, while Steve Hands is a doubt with a knee injury. Paul Bonner is also struggling with a knee problem and Joe Clarke is pushing for a start since his return from suspension.