Redditch Mens Firsts finally re-discovered some form at the weekend, securing their first win of 2010 with a 5-3 victory away at Droitwich.
Before the game, coach Wayne Beard was keen to re-install some positivity to his side, and it paid off with Redditch rarely looking like losing their lead once ahead.
But the first five minutes looked a little shaky, with Droitwich danger man and top league scorer Mike Brazier allowed two early opportunities which were dealt with by Scott Paul in the Redditch goal.
The Kingfishers though were keen to expose Droitwich’s defensive frailties, and a defensive error paved the way for Redditch’s first goal in the sixth minute, with Antony Brookes offered an opening. Brookes’ shot was saved by the Droitwich keeper, but the rebound fell kindly to Redditch who played the ball around back to Brookes, making his second effort count to put Redditch ahead.
Brookes saw another shot saved a minute later, but Redditch doubled their lead after another defensive error in the ninth minute.
Droitwich gave the ball away, allowing Richard Sellors to capitalise, his shot saved by the keeper, but falling kindly to Steve Cook at the edge of the D who took a few steps before firing home.
Two minutes later it was three, Jason Ellis-Woodley hitting the backboard after a free hit.
But a sign of the home side’s attacking threat came shortly after with Brazier hitting the Redditch bar with a looping shot.
Paul then had to palm a shot over the bar five minutes later, and then Droitwich were offered two soft opportunities to get back into the game after Redditch disputed two umpire decisions, resulting in two Droitwich penalty corners, the second forcing a save from Paul.
Then in the 28th minute Brazier ran through the Redditch defence to give Droitwich a path back into the game.
Brazier was looking menacing again four minutes later, but Dan Jakeman did well to break down the threat and launch an attacking offensive.
And Redditch’s three goal cushion was restored with a minute of the half remaining, Cook doing well to find Brookes who grabbed his second of the game.
Brazier then showed an unsporting side with a poor tackle on Ray Jakeman that saw the Redditch midfielder sit out much of the remainder of the game with an injured ankle.
The second half began promisingly for Redditch, with a penalty corner hit narrowly wide by Cook.
Droitwich were still in it though and a penalty corner of their own in the 38th minute saw Paul forced into action again only for he ball to land at Brazier, Redditch skipper Andy Brooks on hand to stop his effort on the line.
But Redditch were seemingly home and dry by the 47th minute after a loose ball in the D caused panic, Sellors capitalising from close range to extend Redditch’s lead.
But Brazier pulled one back for Droitwich three minutes later following a penalty corner, and Brazier continued to exert pressure, again threatening from a corner, this time being stopped in his tracks by Paul Markham with Brooks on hand to clear the ball away.
But a nervy finish to the game was in store when with ten minutes remaining Droitwich switched right from a penalty corner and fired home.
And the danger wasn’t over there, Paul again on hand to make a save from a penalty corner with seven minutes remaining.
Paul saved his best till last though, with a fantastic double reflex save from another penalty corner late on, Brooks on hand to clear the loose ball away.
Then with moments to spare Redditch had the chance to sew up the game, Dave Smith finding Brookes unmarked in the D, but despite diving at full stretch was unable to get on the end of the cross.
The result though was a much needed boost and with table-toppers Streetly only managing a 2-2 draw at lowly Kidderminster, Redditch are now only a point off the summit of the MRHA West Midlands Division One.
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