EVESHAM United face a tough run of four away games after their Southern League Division One South and West 12-match unbeaten record ended.

Runaway leaders Merthyr Town beat the Robins 1-0 at the Jubilee Stadium through Corey Jenkins’ first-half goal in blustery conditions.

It sentenced United to a first defeat since November 15 and they now head to basement boys Bashley on Saturday (3pm) before visiting Cinderford Town next Tuesday (7.45pm).

Paul Collicutt’s side then go to lowly Sholing and Wantage Town before finally returning home to play Wimborne Town on Saturday, February 21.

Merthyr finished the weekend clash with 10 men after Kyle Patten was dismissed with five minutes left of a fiery encounter.

United had to change a settled starting line-up with new keeper Conor Thompson in for the ever-present Kevin Sawyer, who began a two-match ban.

Jared Wilson returned for the injured Liam Harding and striker Adam Mann started his first game since agreeing a permanent move from Gloucester City.

Evesham were the only side to beat the Martyrs in the league this term and began brightly with a strong wind behind them, winning a succession of early corners.

Sean Wood’s flighted free-kick flew just over and George Washbourne brought the best out of visiting keeper Tom Bradley, who acrobatically touched over the winger’s drive.

But, with their first attack on goal, the title favourites broke the deadlock when Jenkins swept Ian Traylor’s low cross past Thompson on 24 minutes.

Cheered on by their largest league crowd of the campaign of 437, Evesham continued on the front foot but failed to find an equaliser.

They continued to play more positive football and pushed to get back into the heated encounter.

Ashley Edenborough and substitute Ollie Knowles went close, while Thompson made a superb save from Kerry Morgan at the other end.

The game finally exploded when Patten was red-carded with time running out.

Despite late Evesham pressure, Merthyr held onto their slender lead to end United’s outstanding run.

Evesham: Thompson, Wood (Knowles 72), Wellon, Wilson (Brown 81), Sysum, Dovey, Jackson, Stanley, Edenborough, Mann, Washbourne (Smith 67). Subs not used: Slack, Kennedy.