Hinckley United 1, Evesham United 0.

EVESHAM United started the clash with only two players who were at the club last season and, despite an encouraging display, were beaten by a solitary Hinckley goal scored five minutes from time.

Evesham started the better of the two teams and created numerous chances with speedy strikers Justin Nisbett and Roly Agbor causing problems among the home defenders.

Zane Simpson and Mark Hands fired just over and Nisbett forced the goalkeeper into a fine save as Evesham gained the upper hand.

On the hour, Hinckley made a number of substitutions but moments later Evesham thought they had taken the lead when a ball was played through the home defence. Kdriya ran through to beat the replacement goalkeeper only to see the goal ruled out by an offside flag.

Hinckley started to gain a hold on the game and on 71 minutes.

Danny Hodnett was caught in possession but fortunately the shot that came in rattled the post before finally being cleared.

A minute later a free-kick taken by Henry Ize was met with a firm header at the far post that brought a fine save from the home goalkeeper.

With the game seemingly heading for a goalless draw, Hinckley snatched the winner when, after a corner was not properly cleared, a deflected volley looped into the roof of the net.

Evesham almost grabbed a last-gasp equaliser when Michael Batchelor got on the end of a free-kick but his downward header bounced just wide.

Barwell 1, Evesham United 1.

EVESHAM United began preparations for their third season in the Zamaretto League Premier Division with a draw against Barwell.

The game was played on Hinckley United’s 3G artificial surface as improvements were ongoing at Barwell’s Kirkby Road ground following promotion to the Unibond South.

Barwell, who coasted to the Midland Alliance title last season, provided a stern test for an Evesham side missing a host of players through holidays and unavailability.

Evesham goalkeeper Nathan Vaughan was at his best early on making smart saves from Nigel Julian and Jerome Murdock.

But it was United who opened the scoring on 39 minutes.

Newcomer Nisbett did the build-up work before finding Andy Ducros who found the net from close in.

Barwell deservedly pulled level on the hour.

Jamie Towers’ neat back-heel set up VJ Sidhu, who confidently found the bottom corner of Vaughan’s net.

Both sides went on to create and miss chances with latest signings Ize, Nisbett and Neil Barnfield all catching the eye for Paul West’s side.

Evesham United’s remaining pre-season friendlies: Saturday: Redditch United (a, ko 3pm); Tues, July 27: Stratford Town (a, 7.45pm); 31: Pershore Town (a, 1pm); August 3: Bromsgrove Rovers (a, 7.30pm); 7: Worcester City (h, 3pm).