BOSS Paul Collicutt is urging Evesham United to find the ruthless streak required to finish off promising pre-season work.

The Robins exited the Worcester Senior Cup 6-5 in a penalty shootout having played out a 1-1 draw with Redditch United on Sunday.

It was a result that left Collicutt frustrated having felt his side had enjoyed the better of the action at the Jubilee Stadium.

Since a 3-3 draw with Gloucester City, United have managed to find the net three times in five warm-up matches and Collicutt’s quest to add more firepower has led to ex-Bristol Rovers frontrunner Lewis Ellington bagging a chance to shine.

“We had a lot of possession but were missing that cutting edge in the final third against Redditch,” said Collicutt.

“Everything behind that has been good throughout pre-season but now we need to start finishing the chances that come our way.

“We hit the post in the first half, had another kicked off the line late on and numerous openings to win the game.

“Apart from one really good save in the first half I cannot remember my keeper having much to do. It was what it was.”

Evesham began brightly with Marley Thomas teeing up fellow new recruit Steve Davies to fire wide before Ashley Williams drove straight at keeper Louis Connor.

Giancarlo Gabbiadini’s effort whistled over the bar for Redditch and Declan Benjamin drew a good save from new Robins keeper Harvey Rivers before the break.

The hosts were back on top soon after the restart with Sean Brain testing Connor only for the Reds to net through a trialist following an incisive break.

Evesham were soon back on level terms, though, when substitute Joe Turley had an immediate impact, playing in Cory Simpson to coolly slot past Connor.

Tyrone Tucker-Dixon impressed when introduced from the bench and set up the best of the late chances which Carl Brown walloped wide.

There was still time for Thomas to bring out the best from Connor before the decisive shootout which saw Turley, Tucker-Dixon, Williams, Archie Haskayne and Thomas all score.

At 5-5 it went to sudden death with Brown clearing the crossbar and Tom Fishwick notching the winner for Redditch.

The final between Alvechurch and Redditch takes place at the Jubilee Stadium tonight (Thursday, 7.45).