Redditch Mens Firsts overcame a stuttering start to eventually defeat local rivals Bromsgrove 5-1 away at Trinity High School.
The Kingfishers went into the game looking for a more straightforward encounter following last weeks skin of their teeth victory against lowly Kidderminster.
The prospects of an easy game didn’t look likely though when Bromsgove countered in the 11th minute to score with their first attack of the game.
The goal was somewhat unfair on Redditch, having made a bright start to the game with the ball parked firmly in the Bromsgrove half.
Redditch showed signs of an instant recovery, Dan Waite having a couple of chances saved by the Bromsgrove goalkeeper.
But Redditch were level in the 14th minute, the ball being played out nicely around the back by the Redditch defenders before crossing to Antony Brookes who slotted in from close range.
Six minutes later and Redditch moved ahead, Captain Andy Brooks shooting from a penalty corner, seeing his first shot saved before burying the rebound.
Waite then had two more chances within a minute, putting one over the bar before shooting wide moments later.
Then from another penalty corner in the 27th minute, Brooks fired in for Richard Sellors to deflect his shot into the net to move Redditch further ahead.
Bromsgrove were still looking to threaten, and it took good work from Dan Jakeman chasing back before tacking a Bromsgrove forward to prevent an attacking opportunity in the 31st minute.
And the home side should have converted a penalty corner on the brink of half time only to shoot wide.
The second half began with some controversy with some poor umpiring decisions from which lesser teams would have crumbled.
But Redditch, led by Brooks showed great respect to the officials, particularly when decisions went against them and showed a great level of discipline to keep the game flowing.
Bromsgrove were awarded a penalty corner in the 46th minute, a dubious decision, but Redditch kept their heads to clear the threat before Scott Paul kept out a follow-up shot.
Redditch began to threaten again though, Brookes shooting wide in the 48th minute before Anthony Butterworth narrowly failed to get on the end of a dangerous cross.
But Butterworth, making his return to first team action following a prolonged spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, made amends with 11 minutes remaining to slot home from close range after a goalmouth scramble.
Redditch saved the best until last though, Jakeman crossing in from the right wing for Waite to flick home spectacularly from the edge of the D to put the icing on a comprehensive win.
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