Added Nov 12th 2007 -

Rothwell Town 1 - 2 Evesham Utd

Ian Jackson was full of praise for his Rothwell Town players after a narrow defeat by Evesham at Cecil Street in Division One Midlands.

The Rothwell boss said: "We were the better team for most of the game. The performance was very pleasing and encouraging.

"I think the only time we looked unsteady was when we went down to 10 men. But once we had shifted things around it was us who were still going for goals. I don't think Evesham have been pinned back like that much this season!

"We played good football and the style and energy was just right – so we did feel a bit like 'how the hell didn't we get a point out of that?' in the changing-rooms afterwards.

"But we're moving in the right direction and if we carry on doing what we are doing now eventually we will batter someone. We just need that little bit of luck and edge to start winning games.

"Evesham are a good side. But we showed we're not far behind them."

The Bones took the lead on 25 minutes. A good move down the left resulted in Jon Stead breaking through and easily beating Nathan Vaughan with a shot inside the far post.

The visitors' first attack did not come until the 29th minute when Joe Clarke shot well over. But just a minute later Rothwell debutant Andreas Kattous gave away a corner and from the resulting flag-kick Danny Sheppel headed home.

Rothwell looked well in control on the restart and should have scored four minutes in when Scott Cross, also making his debut, put a ball in from the left. But Michael Boyle-Chong's effort hit the woodwork and rebounded out for a corner.

Further efforts fell to Boyle-Chong and Martin Flannigan before Evesham scored the winning goal just past the hour.

Kattous saved a shot on the line but in doing so he handled the ball and was shown a red card. Mark Owen made no mistake from the resulting penalty.

Despite being down to 10 men, the Bones battled hard for an equaliser but they were unable to break down the best defence in the league which prior to this game had only conceded seven goals.

All in all Rothwell certainly deserved at least a point for their efforts and can count themselves very unlucky. They now look forward to facing Dunstable at Cecil Street next Saturday.

Rothwell: Baker, Greasley, Tolton, Kattous, Sturgess, Flannigan, Stead (sub Ulcan 73 mins), Boyle-Chong, Cross (sub Cooper 56 mins), Sneddon (sub Bridgeford, 56 mins), Koriya. Subs not used: Purton, Boath.

Evesham: Vaughan, Watson, Clarke (sub Fitter, 73mins), Hodnett, Luckett, Lutz, Sheppel (sub Lennon, 63mins), Warner (sub Hands 54 mins), Owen, Knot, Hayden. Subs not used: Charles, Davis.

Referee: Miss S Massey

Goals: Stead (25 mins, 1-0), Sheppel (30 mins, 1-1), Owen (65 mins, 1-2)

Booking: Lutz (dissent)

Sending-off: Kattous (deliberate handball)

Attendance: 127

Man of the match: Michael Boyle-Chong (showed determination and desire)

Match Rating: 8

Thanks to the Evening Telegraph.