MANAGER Matt Clarke has called on his Evesham United players to prove the Swindon Supermarine shambles was a one off.

Having won six out of 10 games under Clarke’s leadership, the Robins conspired to lose 4-3 to the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division basement boys at St George’s Lane last Saturday, trailing 4-0 at half-time.

The Evesham boss admitted to being shell-shocked by the performance but is not about to take an axe to his new-look squad.

United take on promotion hopefuls and county rivals Stourbridge at the War Memorial Ground on Saturday (3pm) and Clarke has demanded his team show what they are capable of.

He said: “I didn’t see it coming and I am still shell-shocked. Disappointing would be an understatement.

“The players let themselves, the club and myself down. They restored a bit of pride by having a go in the second-half but we could have been seven or eight down — we were that bad.

“There were so many poor performances, nobody came out with any credit in the first-half and some have been tremendous for us this season.

“It was unacceptable and I am looking for a response because some are fighting for their futures at the club.

“I will give the players the opportunity to prove it was a one-off but they have got to bounce back.

“Those who under-performed have to put that right and they have now got the opportunity against one of the favourites for the title.

“I am hoping that they will put it right because they are good players.”

Evesham will be without Ben Pugh after the striker tweaked his hamstring against Supermarine, while midfielder Jack Winter (hamstring) is rated as 50-50.

The Robins are also still waiting to hear if they will face any punishment from a Worcestershire FA commission after being charged with making an illegal approach for Pugh while he was at Nuneaton Town.

Stourbridge, who reached the FA Cup second round earlier this season, are looking for their first win in three games.