CLIMBING the Southern League Division One South and West table is the top priority for Evesham United manager Paul Collicutt.

The Robins are languishing in 17th position and host newcomers Larkhall Athletic in the league tomorrow (3pm).

Collicutt’s men suffered a late exit from the FA Trophy on Tuesday night when Adeyinka Talabi gave lowly Southern League Premier Division Banbury United a narrow 1-0 first qualifying round replay triumph.

He said: “We have got games in hand over teams in the league but these mean nothing if we don’t win them.

“I think we have got three games in hand on some of the teams around us. It’s now down to us and the players have known from day one that my preference is the league.”

Larkhall are sixth in their maiden season in the division after securing promotion with an undefeated campaign.

Lewis Binns has a knee injury but Lance Smith, who has been unavailable for Evesham’s last two games, will be in the squad.

Collicutt said: “Larkhall won their league last year undefeated and they are a confident team who are used to winning. We have to make sure that we are ready for them and are at the top of our game.

“I know a bit about them – we have not had them watched but I have spoken to other managers and a few people who have watched them play.

“Larkhall had a very good result in the FA Cup when they won at Merthyr.”

Collicutt is expecting Evesham to come out fighting after their late woe against higher-graded Banbury.