'Reality check' is dealt after defeats (From Evesham Journal)

'Reality check' is dealt after defeats

11:00am Friday 17th April 2009

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INJURY-hit Evesham United were handed a British Gas Business Premier Division reality check, according to manager Paul West, after two Easter weekend defeats to a couple of the league’s high-flyers.

Despite a brave effort, the Robins recorded straight losses to second-placed Farnborough (2-1) on Saturday, followed by a 2-0 reverse at home to Merthyr Tydfil on Easter Monday.

Both clashes have also left United with a few injury doubts as their battered and bruised side end their home league fixtures on Saturday when they welcome Hemel Hempstead Town to St George’s Lane (ko 3pm).

Simon Fitter (ankle) and James Blake (hamstring) are both doubtful for the weekend, if not the rest of the term, and Steve Luckett will also miss Saturday’s clash after suffering a deep gash to his knee during Monday’s match with Merthyr.

Any faint play-off hopes were finally put to bed with the weekend defeats, as West claims his side have been dealt a clear idea of what it takes to succeed in the division.

West said: “It was a tough Bank Holiday weekend for us.

“I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we don’t get any more injuries before the end of the season.

“The defeats were a reality check for us and taught us not to kid ourselves about reaching the play-offs.

“We’ve learned a lot of lessons from this year and it’s important that we learn from it and next year we shouldn’t get carried away with play-off talk but concern ourselves with being able to seriously compete in this division. There was a bit of mental tiredness among the players over the last two games.

“We didn’t look like scoring against Merthyr and that has been our problem this season.

“It’s ironic that we have one of the best defensive records in the league but one of the worst goalscoring records.

“But the effort from the players from the start of the season has been phenomenal.”

West also rued keeper Nathan Vaughan’s late sending off on Monday.

He said: “It’s a shame because he has had a fantastic season.

“It was silly and added to a below-par performance.”

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