MATCH REPORT: Evesham United 2-1 Wimborne Town

Despite Will Fletcher grabbing a late goal, it was too little too late for the Magpies, with defeat on the road at Evesham United.

Tim Sills made two changes to his starting eleven from the Magpies last fixture, which came three weeks ago against Hungerford, with Cam Munn and Joe Ryan coming in for Josh McQuoid and Lewis Williams.

Wimborne’s recent postponements have been down to both waterlogged pitches, and also a cup clash, after Walton & Hersham’s FA Trophy exit last weekend.

From the first whistle, the Robins were quick out of the blocks, catching Wimborne cold and grabbing an early lead in just the 14th minute; Kai Churchley capitalising on a ball down the left, cutting back and firing past Ben Rodwell in the Wimborne goal.

Just ten minutes later, the hosts could, and maybe should, have doubled their lead when Ethan Dunbar was slotted through on goal, but his shot was saved well by Rodwell one-on-one.

Dunbar wouldn’t be left waiting much longer for his goal though, when in the 34th minute the ball was zipped into the path of the forward, who made no mistake from close range finding the back of the net, finishing with aplomb.

Looking to find a way back into the game, the Magpies changed their shape. Moments later Josh Carmichael had Wimborne’s best moment of the half with a fiercely struck volley which was well-saved by Alex Harris. After Munn fired over from the edge of the box, the half time whistle was blown with Wimborne needing a quick start after the break.

The quick start did come when Fletcher’s shot was handled in the box in the 51st minute, the referee pointing immediately to the spot. However, Wimborne’s recent penalty woes continued after Carmichael struck the crossbar, with the rebound turned behind for a corner.

Wimborne continued to try and find a way back into the match, dominating the majority of the second half, with a number of crosses and half chances being created. However, the hosts continued to defend resolutely to preserve their lead. 

The lifeline did come five minutes from time, when a ball over the top found Joe Smith, whose attempted lob was saved near the edge of the box by Harris, the ball dropping only as far as Will Fletcher who poked home.

As five minutes of injury time was added on, Wimborne created two big chances to equalise. The first came when Lewis Williams found space inside the box down the right-hand side and arrowed a shot at goal towards the bottom left corner, which was well stopped by a strong right hand from Harris.

Then, with a minute left, the ball got poked to Smith in the box, who couldn't quite get the ball under his control as it bobbled on the surface, with Robins bodies being thrown in front to block and clear after a few seconds of pinball.

With the full-time whistle blown shortly afterwards, it was ultimately too little too late for the Magpies, who will be keen to end their winless run on Tuesday at Tiverton. With a lot of rain on the forecast, keep an eye on the club's socials in case of postponement.

Rodwell; Eccott-Young (Roberts 73’), Walker, Edmondson, Jackson (Burchall 82’); Roundell, Carmichael, Munn; Ryan (Williams 68’), Bustamante (Smith 46’), Fletcher

Unused sub: Jenkins

Report: Tom Whittick