EVERGREEN failed to convert their impressive pre-season form into the league campaign as they went down to a narrow defeat at home to league newcomers Allenburys on Saturday, August 17.

Although having only ten players available for selection, Evergreen started brightly and could have gone ahead as early as the third minute when a deep cross from the left by new signing Andrew Spender came off the visitors crossbar and was scrambled clear.

The only goal of the game came after nine minutes when an Allenburys' forward was left unmarked and he drilled the ball home from eight yards.

The rest of the game was dominated by Evergreen pressure, however, both wayward finishing and desperate defending by Allenburys meant that the home team ended the game losers.

Manager Gordon Wallis commented: "We totally dominated this game, but unfortunately domination doesn't win games. We must take our chances. I have a very strong squad this season and I am sure that we will be there or there abouts at the end."

His words proved prophetic two days later, when Hatfield Town were put to the sword in a 4-0 drubbing.

R Lee and P Preece had given them a two-goal lead, before P Smith struck a brace in the final quater of an hour.

August 23, 2002 12:30