Match Report: Evesham United 3-1 Stratford Town

Saturday 26th August 2026 – Isuzu FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round

Evesham United secured a 3–1 victory over Southern Premier Central side Stratford Town at the Spiers and Hartwell Stadium on Saturday, progressing from the third qualifying round of the Isuzu FA Trophy following a good display.

The visitors opened the scoring inside the first minute, stunning the home crowd. Kobe Hall directed the ball into the path of McKauley Manning, whose measured cross from the left was met emphatically at the far post by Zach McKenzie.

Stratford threatened again shortly afterwards, forcing Evesham goalkeeper Brendan Beard to dive sharply to his left to repel Hall’s angled effort.

Evesham responded and fashioned their first notable opportunity in the eighth minute. Josh Barlow found captain Amer Awadh, who created space before sending his effort narrowly over the left side of the crossbar.

The hosts continued to press and, after 20 minutes, a pass into the left channel released Sopuru Obieri, whose angled effort travelled narrowly wide. Kai Churchley then created space on the edge of the penalty area but directed his shot straight at Stratford goalkeeper Jake Weaver. Owen Foye subsequently delivered for Josh Barlow, who fired over the crossbar.

Evesham’s sustained pressure brought a deserved equaliser shortly after the half-hour mark. Player of the Match Kai Churchley released Aaron Heap on the right before meeting Heap’s driven return cross and finishing emphatically into the roof of the net.

Obieri then tested Weaver with another effort, while Stratford’s Dan Lafferty found space late in the half but directed his shot straight at Beard.

Although the sides entered the interval level, Evesham had created the clearer opportunities and made effective use of the space available in advanced areas.

The hosts completed the turnaround in the 56th minute. Following Heap’s delivery into the penalty area, Obieri reacted decisively to regain possession in a dangerous position before applying a composed finish. Evesham threatened again soon afterwards when Churchley’s free-kick found Brandon Liggett, whose header cleared the crossbar.

Churchley remained central to Evesham’s attacking play and added a third midway through the second half. Josh Barlow’s long pass evaded Stratford’s central defence, allowing Churchley to advance before calmly lifting the ball over the onrushing Weaver to make it 3–1. Two minutes later, Churchley combined effectively with Awadh to create an opportunity for Obieri, whose first-time effort was saved by Weaver at the near post.

Stratford sought a late response through Josh Hawker, but his effort passed wide of the Evesham goal in the closing minutes.

The final whistle confirmed a deserved victory for the Robins, who eliminated fellow Step Three opposition to advance in the competition. Evesham return to Southern Premier League South action on Tuesday, when they host Chippenham Town.

ROBINS STARTING X1:
1 Brendan Beard (GK), 3 Owen Foye, 4 Josh Barlow, 6 Ioan Richards, 7 Aaron Heap (62′ 12 Thomas Conteh), 9 Kai Churchley 31′ 66′ (81′ 18 Daniel Hanson), 10 Amer Awadh (C) (78′ 2 Liam Hutt), 11 Brandon Liggett, 15 Jyrel Bojang, 16 Rocco Sughayer, 20 Sopuru Obieri 56′(70’8 Josh McConnell)

UNUSED SUBSTITUTES:
19 Lewis Middleton

ATTENDANCE: 392

Match Report: Simon Purfield
Photos: Emily Cook