MANAGER Paul Collicutt believes Evesham United can head into tomorrow’s match at Yate Town (3pm) in good spirits despite their mid-week loss to Merthyr.

The Robins were beaten 4-1 at home by the Calor Southern League Division One South and West leaders on Tuesday.

But Collicutt feels there is no shame in losing to a team that has an embarrassment of riches compared to the Jubilee Stadium outfit.

He was pleased with his side’s endeavour and is looking for more of the same at Yate as Evesham seek a first away win in the league since December 7.

“There were lots of positives from that match,” Collicutt said. “We played a team who will probably go on to win the league.

“It’s a learning curve because I have got a lot of young lads playing for us and, in fairness, they kept going for the 90 minutes. On another day we could have scored a few more goals.”

Centre-half Linden Dovey (knee) and forward James Vercesi (rib) remain on the sidelines, as does defender Alton Axton (hamstring).

But Lance Smith played his first game in a fortnight against Merthyr and is set to lead the line at Yate.