Evesham & Winchester Miss Opportunities

Evesham United missed the opportunity to move level on points with third-placed Bristol Manor Farm in the Evo-Stik League South West on a windy Wednesday night when they held to a 3-3 draw at The Spiers & Hartwell Jubilee Stadium by managerless Swindon Supermarine.

Under the guidance of caretaker-manager Lee Spalding following the departure of Dave Webb earlier this week, `Marine took a 17th minute lead with a first-time finish after a sweeping move by Josh Parsons.

But the hosts were back on level terms on the half-hour mark when a good through ball by Mark Francis found Adam Mann, who scored from an angle.

Then on 41 minutes, United took the lead when a cross from Francis was headed on and it was deflected in by `Marine defender Kieran Diaz-Benitez.

However, just 2 minutes later former Evesham striker Bradley Gray equalised for the visitors with a shot from 12 yards.

Ten minutes into the second half, Unuted re-took the lead when Mann capitalised on some defensive uncertainty to score with good shot on the turn.

It was 3-3 though on 66 minutes when Parsons curled in a free-kick from 20 yards

Evesham had to hang on for the final few minutes though after having Will Wellon sent-off for a second yellow card offence in the 83rd minute.

As a consequence of the point apiece, Evesham moved into fourth spot and Supermarine into eighth, level on points with sixth-placed Bideford.

Winchester City travelled to lowly Slimbridge also looking to get in amongst the top six, but remain in seventh, also level on points with Bideford and `Marine, after suffering a 2-0 defeat at Wisloe Road.

But quite how City managed to lose to the fourth-bottom Swans will be high on the Winchester agenda when they got home as the visitors hit the bar twice through Oli Bailey, had an effort cleared off the line, had numerous chances and peppered the box with crosses but still the Swans kept a clean sheet.

Slimbridge had already survived several scares when they took a 25th minute lead when Sam Turl was brought down by Liam Gilbert and defender Adam Mace curled an excellent free-kick into the top corner.

And after more opportunities had gone begging at the opposite end, the hosts eventually doubled their lead in the 65th minute when Mike Bryant helped the ball on for Jack Twyman to head home from just inside the six-yard box.

Source Pitchero Non League / Steve Wintney