FORWARD Kyonn Evans believes hard work is key as Malvern Town tackle a Buildbase FA Vase third-round replay at Atherstone Town tonight (7.45pm).

The sides played out a 3-3 thriller in Malvern last weekend and the winner will visit joint-favourites and 2018 finalists Stockton Town.

Malvern dropped a 3-1 lead after Harry Clark, Dave Reynolds and Matt Turner netted.

“We played well in spells on Saturday,” former Worcester City player Evans said.

“They got the better of us in terms of possession but in the end a draw was a fair result.

“We’re now looking forward to the replay and if we take the same work-rate into the game it will stand us in good stead.

“I am really enjoying my football at the moment and to be part of a growing club is fantastic.

“I think more people are starting to pay attention to us now and that’s a credit to the work that is going on behind the scenes.

“There’s a real togetherness amongst everyone, not just between the players it’s everyone associated with the club and that makes matchdays more enjoyable.

“The support we received on Saturday was superb once more and hopefully some of them will be able to come along to the replay to cheer us on in what will be another tough challenge for us but one that we face with relish and determination.”

Co-manager Dene Whittal-Williams said: “Saturday’s result was tough to take seeing as we conceded two late goals.

“That said, over the 120 minutes a draw was fair.

“Both teams were very threatening and now we have an opportunity to go again in the replay.

“Having gone 3-1 up it is frustrating we didn’t go on to get the win, especially when on occasions our lads’ honesty was not rewarded.

“There was a foul on Milky (Turner) when one-on-one with the keeper and a trip on Ethan (Moran) inside the area that could have influenced the game hugely but instead of going to ground they tried their best to get a decent attempt on goal.

“That said, Atherstone’s attacking play was very good as we knew it would be and therefore I am very proud of the performance and the effort the lads put in.

“We defended well in parts and will grow from the experience.”