EVESHAM UNITED | STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE

Amer Awadh leading by example

Following successive defeats over the Easter weekend, Amer Awadh has stepped up to the plate with a couple of captain’s performances to keep Evesham United’s play-off hopes alive in the Pitching In Southern League Division One South.

The 26 year-old set them on their way with the opening goal in a 5-3 victory over Melksham Town before putting them back in front at Tavistock on Saturday as they went on to secure a 3-1 triumph to leave them just three points off the top five.

“The team has played with a lot of freedom over the last two games,” he said. “After a disappointing run of form, it’s been nice to get six points and also score eight goals in the process.

“I am pleased to have been able to play my part in the performances and also get a couple of goals.

“It keeps us in the hunt for a place in the play-offs. It’s still very tight with a lot of teams who could still make it.

“We’ve just got to try and keep this form up now, concentrate on ourselves, win our remaining games and let’s see what happens.

“It’s three Cup Finals, but as a player you want to be playing in meaningful games at this stage of the season.

“Our target has always been promotion this season and with three games to go, that has not changed.

“We started the season slowly where we were performing well enough but not getting the results to go with it. We then managed to get ourselves on a very good run which led us into the top five before we fell away again for a month or so.

“Hopefully these last two games will set us up for a massive end to the season.”

Awadh admits that it was ‘really weird’ when he was handed the captain’s armband soon after signing for the club during the summer from North Leigh.

“When I was first appointed club captain it was really weird,” he added. “I had only just arrived but I took the responsibility on and I feel that I have adjusted well to it.

“I have been pleased with my own performance levels and have enjoyed my first season at the club.

“It would be nice to be able to round things off by leading us to promotion! It’s the first time I have played in this League and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. There is a lot of quality with some good teams who like to try and get the ball down and play.

“It’s very competitive too, which I like; the only downfall is all of the travelling, but it is something you have to get used to.”

Evesham United go to title chasers, Wimborne Town, on Tuesday evening before playing their final home game on Saturday against Willand Rovers. They end the campaign at Paulton Rovers.

IMAGE: Cliff Williams

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