Robins' reprieve from drop fails (From Evesham Journal)

Robins' reprieve from drop fails

11:10am Thursday 31st May 2012 in News

EVESHAM United have been left wondering what might have been after missing out on a relegation reprieve on goal difference.

The Robins will play in Evo- Stik Southern Football League Division One South and West next season following demotion from the Premier Division.

But it could have been different as fourth-from-bottom Hemel Hempstead, who finished one place above United and level on points, were saved from the drop by virtue of scoring just two more goals.

The Hertfordshire club re- PERSONAL BEST FOR JOHNSON tained their place following a shake-up of the divisions which included Bedfont Town resigning from the competition.

Evesham manager Matt Clarke said: “We only got relegated by two goals because Hemel Hempstead stayed up.

“It’s disappointing but I think we will be a very strong outfit next season and will be looking to bounce back at the first attempt.

“We have to be positive and look forward to the future. We are in our new ground and the boys are excited at the prospect of playing there.

“Hopefully, we will be one of the best-supported sides in the league and can use that to our advantage.”

Clarke has signed three players for next term, bringing in keeper Dean Coleman and midfielders Tom Warmer and Lee Osborne from Redditch United.

Ex-Walsall youngster Coleman, now 26, has experience in the Blue Square Bet Premier with Kidderminster Harriers and also played for Worcester City as did Warmer.

Talks are ongoing with the rest of the squad, although Clarke is expecting captain Wayne Daniel and midfielder Craig Wilding to reject deals. Keeper Daniel Platt and midfielder Simon Fitter have been released.

Southern League Division One South and West 2012-13 (proposed): Abingdon, Bishops Cleeve, Bridgwater, Cinderford, Cirencester, Clevedon, Didcot, Evesham United, Hungerford, Mangotsfield Merthyr, North Leigh, Paulton, Poole, Sholing, Shortwood, Swindon Supermarine, Taunton, Tiverton, Wimborne, Winchester City, Yate Town.