Hitchin Town 0, Evesham United 1.

EVESHAM United got their season up and running at the third attempt yesterday with a fine win at previously-unbeaten Hitchin Town at Fishponds Road in Evo-Stik League Premier Division.

The Robins went into the game without a goal or point in two starts, but claimed a deserved victory courtesy of Elliott Durrell’s 66th-minute strike.

The midfielder, on a month’s loan from Hednesford Town, collected the ball 30 yards out and unleashed a terrific volley that beat Canaries keeper Martin Bennett all ends up.

Hitchin, who began the game in fifth spot, enjoyed the better of a scrappy first-half.

John Frendo, Jerome Anderson and Zac Burke were all guilty of firing wide when well placed.

Marcus Palmer replied for the visitors, shooting into the side-netting after rounding Bennett.

The second-half was a different story with Paul West’s side stepping up a gear.

Before the goal, Bennett somehow got a hand to Durrell’s drive, turning it around a post and then blocked bravely to deny Palmer.

Hitchin pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages, only to find United’s stand-in keeper Lewis Skyers in fine form.

First, gathering from Dean Gilbert and then, in stoppage-time, pushing Frendo’s drive behind when the Hitchin striker looked destined to find the bottom corner.

Evesham United: Skyers, Fitter, Hyde, Daniel, Luckett, Blake, McGrath (Spencer 28, Woodley 81), Walker, Palmer (Otobo 70), Wilding, Durrell. Subs not used: O’Kelly, Vaughan. Attendance: 295.