Robins are made to pay the penalty - The Evesham Observer

Robins are made to pay the penalty

Evesham Editorial 6th Dec, 2018 Updated: 6th Dec, 2018   0

EVESHAM United will be aiming to bounce back at the first time of asking when they visit second-bottom Fleet Town on Saturday.

The Robins’ three-match Southern League Division One South winning streak was ended last time out as they went down 2-1 at Bristol Manor Farm in a thrilling Friday night encounter.

The fixture had been rearranged to accommodate a long-standing commitment to a charity event and it was the hosts who took the points in front of an enthusiastic crowd thanks to Owen Howe’s brace.

United had the chance to seize the early initiative when they were awarded a penalty after keeper Ben John was adjudged to have clipped the heels of Kye Simpson when attempting to gather the ball at the attacker’s feet.




However, Steve Davies’ sixth-minute spot-kick clipped the bar and carried on rising and the hosts were able to breathe a sigh of relief.

Evesham continued to push and Liam Harding thundered a shot just over from 15 yards before the hosts had penalty appeals waved away when Nick Hancock challenged lively winger Jamie Bird.


Evesham’s Kye Simpson – one of three brothers involved in the game alongside team-mate Cory and Manor Farm substitute Troy – headed narrowly wide on 18 minutes, but it was 15 minutes later when the game really erupted.

The hosts’ Jack Durrant became entangled with his opponent on the ground following a firm challenge and the ensuing melee involving every player ended with Bristol centre-back John Lock and United midfielder Archie Haskayne both receiving their marching orders.

The increased space on the pitch then allowed both sides to open up their opposition with greater ease and it appeared to aid the home side more, culminating in Lloyd Mills seeing his header smartly saved by Andy Hannah.

The breakthrough arrived on 42 minutes and it went the hosts’ way as Howe crashed home a tremendous 25-yard drive beyond the despairing dive of Hannah.

However, Evesham, clearly buoyed by their recent upturn in form, came roaring back at the start of the second half and Kye Simpson forced John into a superb save, but the stopper was powerless to prevent Cory Simpson from levelling with a brilliant 25-yard strike on 56 minutes.

Back came the home side and Howe’s effort was well saved by Hannah before the keeper then reacted well to deny Jordan Metters’ volley.

Bird was twice thwarted by Hannah but the winner did arrive for the hosts three minutes from time when substitute Troy Simpson produced a headed flick-on to Howe who finished emphatically past Hannah from close range.

Despite the defeat Evesham, who are reportedly chasing the signature of another Simpson brother – striker Kane of Frome Town – remain fourth heading into this weekend’s trip to Hampshire.

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