Evesham United came from behind to beat Mangotsfield United 2-1 in their opening game of the season on Monday night at Jubilee Stadium.

Second half goals from Ryan Paddock and Lorcan Sheehan ruled out the former’s first half own goal.

The Robins faced a delayed start to the season, not playing on the opening day due to an odd number of teams in the Southern League Division One South.

The visitors started brightly, stringing together a series of intelligent passes with their first chance coming after just 8 minutes, Joe Cattermole’s shot flying wide.

The Mango’s were rewarded for their slick style of play not long after however, a cross from Wayne Nderemani on 18 minutes came to Evesham’s Paddock who was unable to clear, the ball falling into his own net instead.

This proved to be the wake up call the hosts needed, a flurry of chances unable to find the net with the pick of the bunch coming from Calvin Dinsley with 41 minutes gone.

Dinsley’s audacious 35-yard effort required the visitors keeper, Cameron Spike, to scramble across his goal line to make a fine save.

Evesham Journal: Lorcan Sheehan (centre) scored the winner as the hosts came from behind to beat Mangotsfield United 2-1. Photo: www.stuartpurfield.co.ukLorcan Sheehan (centre) scored the winner as the hosts came from behind to beat Mangotsfield United 2-1. Photo: www.stuartpurfield.co.uk

The home side continued to attack after the break, with many of their chances coming from set-pieces.

The Robins equalised not long into the second half, Charlie Johnsons corner was met by Paddock, who made up for his earlier mishap, with a header to level the score.

Not long after the goal a moment of madness saw five players carded in quick succession as both sides hunted for a winner.

Evesham came out on top, taking the lead with 14 minutes remaining, this time a Chamberlain corner meeting Sheehan who headed in.

Chamberlain was rewarded for his assist with the man of the match award.

United now turn their attention to the FA Cup, as they face Midland Football League Premier Division side Lichfield City in a Preliminary round tie on Saturday.

Evesham United: Clayton, Lymn, Johnson, Williams©, Paddock, Sheehan, Dinsley, Chamberlain, Ebanks, Brain (Owusu 90), Horrell (Lucas 68). Subs Not Used: Hunt, Beardsell, Mace.

Attendance: 280