Redditch United 0, Evesham United 1

THERE will be no FA Cup glory for the Reds this season after they were dumped out of the competition at the first hurdle by neighbours Evesham.

And to make matters worse for Liam McDonald’s side, it was former Valley Stadium midfielder George Washbourne whose goal guided the visitors through to the second qualifying round and a trip to Histon.

His match-winner came midway through the first half and capped an inspired opening spell that also saw Redditch keeper Brad Catlow save a penalty.

That came after just nine minutes when he failed to gather a Dan Scarr back header. Lance Smith pounced and was tripped by the keeper. Referee Ed Smart pointed to the spot but Catlow redeemed himself with a brilliant save to push away Jared Wilson’s spot kick.

The home side’s best chance of the half came on 21 minutes when Ashley Sammons drilled a 30-yard effort which keeper Kevin Sawyer did well to tip over the bar.

A minute later Evesham took the lead. Catlow’s sliced clearance gifted the visitors a throw-in midway inside the Redditch half and the ball was quickly worked to Washbourne who took a touch before firing into the bottom corner.

The Reds huffed and puffed for the remainder of the half but failed to test Sawyer.

A triple substitute heralded the start of the second period with McDonald sending on midfield pair Max Loveridge and Simeon Maye along with striker Jamie Spencer.

And they instantly started making inroads, Maye in particular proving a menace to an Evesham side who had been allowed to canter through the opening 45 minutes.

Sammons tried his luck with a couple of long-range efforts before a delightful low cross from Jamie Molyneux looked certain to lead to an equaliser only for Spencer and Jermaine Hylton to get in each other’s way with the goal at their mercy.

The Reds had a penalty claim turned down when Lewis Binns appeared to handle inside the area and Sammons sent a late free-kick straight at the Evesham keeper.

But not even nine extra minutes were enough for McDonald’s men to break through their resolute visitors and it was Evesham who could celebrate their giant-killing.

Reds: Catlow 5, Recci 6, Caines 7, Oshungbure 5 (Loveridge 46, 7), Scarr 5 (MAYE 46, 8), Flanagan 6, Carline 6, Sammons 5, Hylton 6, Molyneux 7, Spink 6 (Spencer 46, 6). Subs (not used): Bridgwater, Jones, Hornby.