MANAGER Paul Collicutt believes Evesham United’s hard-working display to beat Winchester City has “set the standard” for the rest of the season.

Evesham ended their eight-match winless run on Tuesday night with a 2-1 victory at Winchester in Southern League Division One South.

Kye Simpson bagged the opener on 39 minutes before being brought down for a penalty at the start of the second half which Joe Tumelty converted.

Collicutt was thrilled with the “exceptional” effort shown by his players but has now challenged them to perform at the same level on Saturday when they visit a resurgent Barnstaple Town side (3pm).

“It was the first time in a long time where the lads put a big effort in,” Collicutt said.

“We told them how important the game was and we got a reaction. We have set the standard now and we are looking to try to reach that standard every game.”

Barnstaple are second from bottom but stunned leaders Yate Town on Saturday to extend their winning streak to three games.

“I look forward to every game but this one is going to be hard,” said Collicutt whose team are in sixth position.

“They have won three on the bounce and have just beaten a team that are top of the table.

“They are one of the form sides in the league.

“But if we play like we did on Tuesday between now and the end of the season we will give ourselves a chance of winning games of football.”

Collicutt admitted there were doubts over the fitness of striker Simpson, winger Tumelty and defender Shayne Anson ahead of United’s trip to Barnstaple.

“Kye picked up a knock in the warm-up,” Collicutt said.

“He was struggling with a knee injury but in fairness to him he played for 60 or 70 minutes and did very well.

“Joe had two hernia operations in the summer so there is a lot of scar tissue. Shayne has got a groin injury.”