Match Report: Basingstoke Town 2 Evesham United 4

Saturday 8th August 2026 Southern League Premier South

A brilliant hat-trick by Robins striker Kai Churchley gave Evesham United just about the perfect start to their season at a sun-drenched Hampshire FA – Winklebury Football Complex, the home ground of Basingstoke Town FC. The Robins raced into a four-goal lead by the 78th minute, with midfielder Brandon Liggett getting into the goalscoring act too.

After a tentative opening from both sides, the home side began to seize control and missed a gilt-edged chance to go ahead in the 7th minute. Thomas Blake blazed high and wide when presented with a chance created by good work from the ever-lively Finn Evans. The Basingstoke forward line of Blake, Okine-Peters and Evans gave the Robins central pairing of Jyrel Bojang and Ioan Richards a particularly hard time, and they could have been two or three goals ahead by the 20-minute mark. The fact that they weren’t owed much to good fortune and some brave last-ditch defending by the Evesham defence, where full-backs Liam Hutt and Owen Foye were outstanding.

However, goals change games, and this old cliché was never truer than in this encounter. The Robins had begun to turn the tide in terms of possession, if not chances created, by about the half hour mark and the lively Churchley put the Robins ahead in the 34th minute. A brilliant piece of centre forward play from Zidan Sutherland, Evesham’s most recent acquisition, started the move that led to the goal. He expertly controlled a long ball played down the left channel and then played a deft inside pass to Amer Awadh, putting him in on goal. The Robins skipper unselfishly squared the ball to Churchley, who finished it clinically.

The momentum was now with Evesham, and it was no surprise when they increased their lead in the 42nd minute. Brandon Liggett was the beneficiary of a misdirected shot by left back Owen Foye, presenting him, slightly fortunately, with a close-range opportunity that he converted easily. The only slight disappointment for the Robins was two yellow cards for Aaron Heap and Liam Hutt, given shortly before the break.

The 2-0 half-time lead may have flattered Evesham a little, and the result still felt very much in the balance. However, the Basingstoke manager Dan Brownlie made several early substitutions in the second half, introducing quite a few of their many new signings who had arrived in the summer. This disrupted his side’s first half rhythm and, accordingly, the Robins became ever more comfortable and untroubled. The midfield trio of Brandon Liggett, Josh Barlow and Aaron Heap controlled midfield, and despite Sutherland and Adamh going off, the introductions of Roger James, Lewis Middleton and Josh McConnell didn’t loosen Evesham’s grip on the game. Brendan Beard, the Robins keeper, had little serious work to do in the second period as Basingstoke created little of note.

Two superb finishes from hat-trick hero Kai Churchley in the 72nd and 78th minutes, the result of flowing Evesham counter-attacks, sealed the win. Mike Ford, the Evesham boss, and his players will be disappointed and frustrated, however, by the last few minutes. Even though the result was never much in doubt, Basingstoke scored in the 93rd and 95th minutes. Two good finishes from Lewis-Evans and Kokoszka that were probably down to Evesham taking their foot off the gas whilst in cruise control.

Overall though, an excellent performance and great result for Evesham United. An encouraging start to the season that delighted the vocal away following from Worcestershire. They appreciated seeing their team back in the famous old red and white striped kit too!

ROBINS STARTING X1:
1 Brendan Beard (GK), 2 Liam Hutt (yc 45′) (16 Rocco Naseef Sughayer 52′), 3 Owen Foye, 4 Josh Barlow, 6 Ioan Richards, 7 Aaron Heap (yc 45′) (18 Lewis Middleton 70′), 9 Kai Churchley 34′ 72′ 78′, 10 Amer Awadh (yc 23′) (8 Josh McConnell 65′), 11 Brandon Liggett 42′ (yc 48′) (5 Antony McCormick 79′), 15 Jyrel Bojang, 20 Zidan Sutherland (C) (12 Roger Francis James 52′)

ROBINS UNUSED SUBSTITUTES:

ATTENDANCE: 625

Match Report: Nick Hadley