Point takes Boro top but Robins take credit

9:07am Wednesday 3rd September 2008

Evesham United 0, Farnborough 0

SCRAPPY but satisfactory adequately sums up United’s latest home outing, writes Mervyn Collins.

Farnborough’s point lifted them to the top of the Southern League Premier Division pile and, although the Robins were left searching for their second win, one defeat in five games is a record to be proud of.

Once again Paul West’s battlers more than matched a side that was playing two divisions higher last term. And, with a little more calmness in front of goal, the hosts could have easily added two more points to their tally.

Again missing Danny Scheppel, skipper Steve Lutz lasted only 54 minutes as his bandaged right thigh finally proved too painful and it was his replacement, Iain Sercombe, who wasted two great chances.

Two minutes after coming on, the tall striker blazed over after good work from Danny Lennon. And, after creating his own opening seven minutes later, he saw his powerful right-footer flash a foot wide of the Farnborough net.

Gary Hay had Evesham’s first shot at goal in the sixth minute after which Lutz, Mark Hands and Danny Hodnett were all off target with headers.

Nathan Vaughan, after an early foray out of his area that caused momentary panic, showed meticulous handling throughout and was rarely seriously troubled.

Opposite number Lyall Beazley was relieved as half-time approached when Michael Hayden directed a free shot straight at him after Hay’s excellent approach play.

The wing back was first to threaten after half-time when his cross-cum-shot flew across the face of Beazley’s goal.

Hodnett survived what looked like a credible penalty shout when he tangled with Michael Charles either wide Sercombe’s strikes.

Simon Fitter’s free-kick ruffled the top of the netting, while Stephen Laidler shot over at the end of a swift Boro break.

The visitors could have snatched all three points at the death when Leigh Rumbold found himself with only Vaughan to beat but his effort flew wide to ensure a deserved share of the spoils.