Even Mr Jinx can't write off another three points (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Even Mr Jinx can't write off another three points

SEVENTY minutes into Monday's league game at Stourport, I had resigned myself to an afternoon far away from Common Road tomorrow, writes Mervyn Collins.

Why stay away? Well, since resuming reporting duties with the Robins after several weeks working elsewhere, Evesham had failed to win a game, scoring just one goal in those five outings and they appeared set for another blank on the Bank Holiday.

Having rattled up four wins and a draw in their previous handful of matches before my trip to Paulton, during which time Dave Busst's side had rattled up 15 goals - none of which I had witnessed, I was beginning to think that I was the jinx.

The home game against Mangotsfield was the last time I had seen United prior to the Paulton game - another occasion when the points went to the opposition.

However, there was relief all round and especially in the press box when new signing Richard Ball netted Monday's opener and Stevie Duncan's astute second wrapped up a first win in five and lifted Busst's side back to the top of Southern League Division One West.

Despite the feeling that my presence was casting a spell on United, their record wasn't that bad given that they had only lost one of those five matches if you don't include the shoot-out defeat against Studley.

The manager has always maintained that clean sheets win leagues and only an unstoppable strike from a Marlow midfielder prevented Evesham from making it four games without concession earlier this week.

The team with the best defensive record in the division has struggled to find the net lately and that is exactly why Busst brought in Ball from Sutton Coldfield Town.

The 24-year-old won't be able to play against his former teammates at Coles Lane on Monday (3pm) but he should be leading Evesham's attack tomorrow afternoon against the section's form team, Corby Town.

Busst will also have Danny and Simeon Williams back in contention for a start this weekend and the strength of the squad could prove a crucial factor as Busst bids to bring Premier Division football to Evesham for the first time.

Suspensions could also play a part although with Duncan and Danny Williams having served bans for their red cards at Yate Town, only skipper Lee Knight is on the brink of a ban having notched up nine yellow cards this season and a two-match spell on the sidelines can't be that far away.

Anyway, now I know that it's not my presence that has cast a slight shadow over what has been a fabulous season so far, I will be hoping to witness two more wins this weekend when six points will certainly make it a happy new year for all involved at Common Road.