Evesham Utd 3, Gloucester City 2

TWO goals in the space of a minute transformed Saturday's match that United never looked like winning until Mark Wolsey's speculative cross embarrassed the City keeper.

A game that was only given the go ahead 90 minutes before kick off provided thrills and spills galore and it was only a shame that there were a meagre 131 fans present to witness an amazing Evesham fightback.

The home side never looked like breaking down a side intent on clinging to their one-goal interval cushion.

And, when Damien Beattie's slip allowed Jimmy Cox to make it 2-0 eight minutes after half time, a first defeat in nine games was on the cards.

Phil Mullen, though, had other ideas and the introduction of Shaun Pratt pepped up a shotshy attack.

Gloucester's decision to replace player/boss Tommy Callinan brought rapturous applause for his efforts from the visiting fans but those cheers turned to jeers later.

John Deakin's 67th minute centre was headed into the corner for Steve Taylor's second of the season and less than 60 seconds later Mark Wolsey was swinging his shirt around his head after watching his effort evade the grasp of Ryan Gannaway and nestle in the far corner.

The goalkeeper redeemed himself partly when touching aside Phil Preedy's shot 14 minutes from time but, when the Taylor/Wolsey combination popped up again four minutes later it was the skipper who gleefully tapped in the winner after Wolsey had done all the hard work.

Before Taylor's earlier lifeline, it was Gloucester who looked the more dangerous with their sporadic attacks as Evesham struggled to unlock the visitors' stubborn rearguard.

Paul Chenoweth took advantage of sloppy play at the back to squeeze the Tigers into an eighth minute lead but they only rarely threatened to add to their advantage.

Without really testing Gannaway, Evesham did just about everything but score and, when Wolsey walked the ball into the net in first half stoppage time, his celebrations were halted by the upraised flag of an assistant referee.

Former Evesham player Kacey Johnstone volleyed City's best chance over the top, while Matt Pendleton's last-ditch tackle was crucial to the game's outcome.

When Beattie struggled to push Andy Tucker's drive on to the bar, Cox reacted quickest to make it 2-0 and give City even more reason to engage in further annoying spoiling tactics.

The only spoilers at the end of a pulsating affair were Mullen's muddy marvels, who showed true grit and determination to emerge with three terrific points.

It proved a most valuable win as other section winners on a weather-hit day included Mangotsfield, who made it 19 goals in three games with an 8-0 thrashing of Paget, leaders Bilston and Hinckley.