CHRIS Vinnicombe hailed his players after Tiverton Town recorded their first win of the season with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Evesham last Tuesday night.

A 78th-minute own goal separated the sides on a night when either team could have edged the Southern League Premier Division contest.

Vinnicombe was delighted with the commitment his side showed in front of 273 fans.

"We deserved to win the game and we said afterwards that it would have been a travesty had we not got all three points," said the Yellows manager.

"The lads worked hard, put them under pressure and created chances. We defended well when we had to and everybody worked their socks off for each other. They really wanted to get a first win under their belt."

Vinnicombe reserved special praise for veteran glovesman Ryan Draper after he answered an SOS call following an injury to first choice goalkeeper Chris Wright.

Debutant Draper — a former FA Vase winner with Taunton Town — kept Evesham at bay with a string of top-drawer saves.

"Ryan did really well and pulled off some good saves at important times during the game," Vinnicombe said.

"He showed real composure and he gave the back line confidence. We knew we could rely on him to make the saves and all round it was a very pleasing debut from him.

"He was able to cope with the occasion and he will be boosted by a clean sheet on his debut."

Tivvy looked in impressive form as they chased their first win under boss Vinnicombe, retaining possession well throughout with some patient and intelligent football.

Midfielder Russell Jee came closest to giving the hosts the lead in the first half, when his shot was deflected just wide.

But, as the second half wore on, the visitors seemed the more likely to score — Draper being called upon a number of times to produce excellent stops.

And when Jee crossed dangerously with 12 minutes to go, Steve Luckett could only slam into his own net.

It was the perfect end for the Yellows, who deserved a slice of luck.

Tiverton: Draper, Vinnicombe, Coppard, Adam Faux, Gardner, Alex Faux, Ellis, Jee, Steele, Saunders, Densham