EVESHAM United recorded a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tiverton Town at the Jubilee Stadium as they stretched their remarkable league run to nine successive wins.

Success leaves Evesham, who have only lost once in 27 games, third in Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West with one game to go, but to secure second they need to better Stratford Town’s result this weekend.

The Robins travel to Bridgwater Town in Somerset, while Stratford visit champions Merthyr Town.

Missing the ever reliable Kevin Sawyer with a bad back, manager Paul Collicutt drafted in former Bishops Cleeve ‘keeper Jonathan Skeen.

In front of a crowd of 408, Evesham put in a lacklustre performance in the first half.

Good work down the left by Lee Smith in the 18th minute saw his cross flash across the six-yard box, but there was nobody in a red and white shirt who could get a touch.

It was the visitors who took the lead in the 25th minute with their only chance of the half when defensive uncertainty down the middle led to Tony Lee profiting and putting the ball into an empty net.

Evesham responded just after the half-hour when a shot on the turn from Carl Brown was tipped over the bar by Tiverton ‘keeper Chris Wright.

Just before half time, Marcus Jackson crossed for Adam Mann whose shot narrowly went over the bar. Brown then went close with a header from Nick Stanley’s free-kick.

Evesham started the second half on the front foot and it was no surprise when the home side equalised in the 52nd minute.

A pass from Marcus Jackson found captain Matt Sysum and he hooked the ball home.

The game then settled into a long period of stalemate with the hosts showing a little more attacking intent and Tiverton happy enough to wait for the break.

In the 79th minute, a Sean Wood free-kick found Sysum but he planted his free header wide with the goal gaping.

The decisive moment came two minutes later when Sysum set up Lance Smith who showed good control to score from eight yards, his fourth goal in four games.

Evesham’s play-off semi-final will be on Tuesday, April 28, against either Taunton Town or Larkhall Athletic at the Jubilee Stadium.

The final takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4.

Evesham United: Skeen, Jackson, Stanley, Harding, Sysum, Dovey, Lance Smith, Brown (Wood 62), Edenborough (Knowles 83), Mann, Lee Smith (Washbourne 66). Subs not used: Wellon, Wilson Attendance: 408.