Redditch Hockey Club

Redditch Hockey Club were on the wrong side of a 4-3 score line on Monday night after a close fought game at Evesham.

In a disappointing first half, Redditch seemed slow and uncertain on the ball, and Evesham were able to capitalise.

A powerful shot from an Evesham attacker in the 17^th minute on the edge of the area left Redditch stand-in keeper Paul Cowley with no chance of making a save.

Three minutes later and the Reds defence seemed to freeze, allowing Evesham to breakthrough easily to double their advantage.

However, Redditch pulled one back through Steve Dawes in the 25^th minute following a Penalty Corner.

The goal seemed to give Redditch a boost, and the Reds finished the half the strongest.

Paul Markham created an opportunity for Steve Cook who fired narrowly wide, and Tim Oscroft crossed through to Richard Sellors who was about to fire home before being thwarted by Evesham’s last gasp tackle.

Redditch’s strong finish to the half wasn’t to carry through to the start of the second though, and Evesham were 3-1 up within three minutes of the restart.

The game was as good as over when Evesham went 4-1 up with just over 10 minutes left on the clock.

But Cowley’s excellent interception, denying Evesham a clear chance on goal seemed to spur the Kingfishers back into life.

Dave Smith crossed into the area to Sellors who turned and shot into the back of the net to breathe life back into the game.

A minute later the Reds won a Penalty Corner, the ball was delivered to Chris Thomas who played it onto Pete Dawson who took a few steps, shot and scored to make it 4-3.

Redditch should have equalised twice in the final five minutes, both Dawes and Sellors with chances going just wide, leaving Evesham clinging on to a narrow win.