ASSISTANT manager Paul Tomlinson has warned promotion rivals the best is yet to come from Evesham United.

The new-look Robins sit fourth in Southern League Division One South at the head of a pack of teams behind the top three.

United’s pursuit of those ahead of them was hampered by being held to a 2-2 draw with Highworth Town on Saturday but Tomlinson believes a near three-week gap between games played a part in a sluggish first-half showing.

“We are nowhere near where we want to be at the moment and it is no excuse but we have had two weeks without playing,” said Tomlinson.

“That showed in the first 45. We did not know whether to stick or twist and we ended up dropping off and allowing them to have possession.

“They did nothing with it but then when we had the ball we looked really flat and there was no tempo to our game. The second half was much better.

“We have not hit the form we want, players are still trying to find their feet with us as well as having a few new additions to the squad but I think we will get stronger as the season goes on.”

Saturday heralds part one of a crunch double header against fancied opponents with a trip to Bristol Manor Farm (3pm) before hosting second-placed Thatcham Town, currently unbeaten in the league, seven days later.

“We went to watch Manor Farm’s game against Highworth recently, it was played in heavy conditions but it was still a good game,” added Tomlinson.

“They will be tough opposition, especially at their place. I was quite impressed with the movement of the forward line, it was quite lively and they have a decent side.”

PERSHORE Town and Littleton will be looking to make the most of home comforts on Saturday after a weekend washout.

All but one West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division match was postponed last weekend, including Town's home clash with Black Country Rangers and the Ton Boys' trip to Bewdley Town.

Pershore sit 10th in the table ahead of high-flying Bewdley making the trip to the Community Stadium, while Littleton tackle Cradley Town (both 3pm).

Tyrone Henderson's men will be in for a tougher test than some may anticipate with bottom-of-the-table Cradley now under the management of ex-Worcester City midfielder Sean Geddes.

Littleton's hit-and-miss season so far sees them sat seventh but just two points behind Worcester Raiders in the third of four promotion places.