EVESHAM United recorded their biggest away win in over four years as they thrashed 10-man Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Saturday to secure a first win on the road this season.
It was a blistering start from the visitors as Amer Awadh fired in from a tight angle and Levi Steele slotted home to make it 2-0 inside 18 minutes.
Toby Raison headed in a third in the 36th minute and the afternoon got even better for Evesham just before half-time as Harlequins' Brendan Holmes was sent off.
Alfie Dunn then added a fourth five minutes after the restart as his curling shot beat keeper Patrick Creese at the near post.
The Robins were enjoying themselves and there was time for one more before the game was done and it fell to youngster Frederick Willcox, who finished well into the far corner.
The boys love it😍#EUFC🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/arMgOlLX1d
— Evesham United FC (@EveshamUnitedFC) October 21, 2023
The result moves Evesham up into 16th in the Southern League Division One South campaign, now a place above local rivals Malvern Town.
"5-0 was a thoroughly deserving score line," said manager Mike Ford. "From minute one we were on the front foot and even in the 95th minute of the game, we were pressing them in their own half.
"The endeavour from the players was outstanding. We didn't play as much football as we usually do but we decided before the game that we wanted to play football in their half.
"From start to finish, they all gave everything and the three subs that came on and did equally so."
Evesham have struggled so far this season and Saturday's victory was only their second of the league campaign so far.
But Ford explained that, with a young squad, there must be an element of patience in terms of results.
"It's been a good day, and this result has been coming. I keep hearing opposition managers saying we will be alright.
"Then today you question why are we fourth bottom with a result like that. But we are a young side and sometimes their inexperience means they don't always perform week in, week out.
"But today was just rewards for a lot of people involved in the squad, the wins are always for the players but we can dedicate that win to our staff as well.
"They've all been brilliant and the lads really deserved that."
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