Evesham Utd 1, Gresley Rvrs 4

SATURDAY'S eight reverse in 14 Common Road outings is a damning illustration of just how bad things have become for the Robins.

Two wins in nine Western Division matches is more evidence of the decline of Phil Mullen's side - a slump that shows no sign of improvement and, sadly, few optimistic pointers for next season.

Mullen again shuffled his pack, brought in temporary transfer striker Lee Ross from Halesowen but saw his charges ripped to shreds in the opening half by a hugely impressive Gresley side.

Rovers were three goals to the good after ten minutes, 4-0 ahead 22 minutes later and, had it not been for a generous referee, who disallowed one goal and waved aside obvious penalty claims, United, without an ill Steve Lutz, could have been further adrift at the interval.

Two of the first three goals came via the space vacated by Smith although slack marking and Darren Steadman's poor positioning contributed to the seventh and tenth minute strikes from Chris Gray set-pieces.

Aidan Callan gave Steadman no chance with a fifth minute opener and Evesham were chasing shadows for much of a one-sided half.

A triple substitution at half-time managed to salvage some pride and, had Phil Preedy not wasted two chances after James Brown's 52nd minute reply, then a miraculous fightback might have been recorded.

As it was, Gresley looked to be denied another certain spot-kick before Steadman partially redeemed himself with three fine stops on an instantly forgettable afternoon.

"It was a bit of a shock to us all," Mullen admitted. "They've had a nice input of finance and look a very good side."

In terms of his own team, the Common Road chief said: "The second half was a damage limitation exercise but we showed more spirit and had we taken a couple of chances then we could have surprised them.

"I made a decision some weeks ago to have a look at new players and that's the reason why we're a bit hit and miss at the moment.

"The loan players are here to do a job and I wouldn't have them here if I didn't think there was any mileage in their presence. There is method in my madness!"

It's a case of top and bottom on Saturday and Tuesday with respective trips to leaders Halesowen and Swindon Supermarine.