NEW-look Evesham United's flying start has silenced some early-season doubters according to manager Paul Collicutt.

The Robins spread their wings with a fifth straight victory on Saturday as Joe Tumelty, Steve Davies and substitute Sean Brain each bagged their first competitive goals for the club in a 3-1 win at AFC Totton.

It follows successes against Mangotsfield United, Cinderford Town, Blackfield & Langley and Slimbridge which sees United on the top perch in Southern League Division One South.

“We started the season at Melksham with a 1-0 defeat and there were things said by certain people which I will keep to myself,” said Collicutt.

“But the players have responded in a very positive fashion to win five in a row in the league.

“Melksham and the FA Cup defeat at Rugby were disappointments but we have a new squad of players and it always takes time to settle.

“Totton felt a bit hard done by but over the 90 minutes I felt we played football that was pleasing on the eye.

“Everyone had an impact and there is a good spirit at the moment. That comes from winning which then has a knock-on effect with the supporters, we have a good buzz about the place.

“It means nothing if you don’t get three points from the next game, though, especially at home and that’s what we have to look to do.”

Evesham had been on top but the Stags landed a sucker punch five minutes before half-time when Jack Barker stooped to head home Charlie Gunson’s centre.

Tumelty nodded in from a left-wing cross to restore parity within two minutes and the Robins continued to carry a threat after the restart with Davies having his shot on the swivel kicked off the line.

Davies was then shoved to the floor by Totton keeper Shane Murphy while contesting a high ball and dusted himself down to score the penalty with 13 minutes remaining. Brain sealed the deal with a cool finish a mere six minutes after his late introduction.

“It was a good performance,” said Collicutt.

“Their first effort on goal was when they scored and we had a lot of play in the first half without managing a breakthrough. Fair play to their keeper, he pulled off a few good saves.

“The most pleasing thing was the reaction to going behind, within two minutes we had equalised to go in level.

“The message at half-time was a simple one – just keep playing the way we had been but with a bit of extra strength in the opposition’s 18-yard box.

“I had made the point before the game how we had scored some top-notch goals this season but that I wanted to see a few more of the ugly ones go in.

“I said I didn’t care whether it comes off your head, your heel or your backside, we have been creating a lot of chances so let’s get more out of it.

“The keeper had a very good game but did us a bit of a favour when he pushed Steve in the back.

“It was good for Steve to make it 2-1 and then I was delighted for Sean to go and wrap it up. The lads were so chuffed for him and he was grinning like a Cheshire cat.

“Two or three minutes later he had a one-on-one that was easier than the one he scored but he is off and running now, that’s the main thing.”