EVESHAM United manager Paul West has given his league leaders a well-earned break as they prepare to continue their quest for the British Gas Business Division One Midlands championship.

The Robins have opened up a seven-point gap over Leamington at the top of the table after stretching their winning streak to seven games with Tuesday's 1-0 victory against Chasetown.

West could not be more pleased with his players and spared them tonight's training session so they could treat their partners on Valentine's Day.

He said: "I am just absolutely delighted for everybody, not just myself but the players and everybody associated with the club.

"The players are executing things how we want at the moment and it's a pleasure to be about the place.

"It's hard, honest work and we are reaping the benefits of that. I can't speak highly enough of the players. We will enjoy the next few days and give them some time off with their partners."

Evesham host Leighton Town, who are on a 12-game unbeaten run, on Saturday (3pm) looking to protect their remarkable defensive record which currently stands at six clean sheets in seven games.

But West is aware his side's unfamiliar position makes them a prized scalp for teams.

He said: "I can't remember the last time we went into a football match top of the league. It's a new challenge because we are there to be shot down. Our defensive record speaks for itself and that's not just the defenders.

"When we have got the ball we try to be creative but when we haven't everybody has got a duty to make things difficult for the opposition."

Midfielders Danny Scheppel (knee) and Paul Bonar (knee) and defenders Steve Hands (calf) and Anthony Watson (back) are all doubts.