Coach Daniel Jakeman led out his troops onto the pitch for a 12 o’clock start with an inspiring pre match prep talk.

But despite a strong following, Redditch would eventually be knocked out, explains guest reporter Dave Pilkington.

Redditch started brightly with some early pressure from Jodie Wallacott and there was some good tackling in midfield from Philippa Williams, however Reading seized possession and through a series of lucky deflections the ball ended up in the Redditch net.

The opening minutes were frantic but a calm head in defence from Danni Nevitt kept the deficit to a single goal.
However the constant pressure told with a penalty corner for Reading from which they scored leaving the score at 2-0.
Nicola Moss provided some respite for the Redditch defence and there was more good defending from Danni Nevitt. Philippa Williams was quickly out on penalty corners to prevent more goals.
Mid way through the half, Redditch were still hanging in the match after Olivia Laxton cleared off the line and Stacey Cowley made some excellent saves in the Redditch goal but the defence were breached in the 20th minute leaving the score at 3-0.
Again the forwards were fighting hard and Kirsty Williams showed some excellent skill to win a free hit just inside the Reading half, but this attack petered out and more pressure from Reading forced Cowley into more good saves.
There was concern from the sidelines in the 25th minute when Olivia Laxton was hit by a lifted ball however after some ice from the physio she recovered. Steph Beaumont was constantly helping out the defence with excellent tackling.
After these concerns Redditch seemed more inspired and an excellent run from Nicola Moss left Kirsty Williams to break into the Reading D and win a penalty corner, however the subsequent shot was deflected over the bar off a Reading stick. The long corner was then lost leading to another Reading attack.
There was more brave defence from the back three of Nevitt, Laxton and Beth Vincent however once again they were breached in the 28th minute after a goal-mouth scramble.
Straight from the push back Reading again won the ball and broke through with some dazzling skill to score a fifth inside the first half.
Redditch however did not allow their heads to drop and there were some promising runs from twins Helen and Kate Racki with some support play from Millie Vincent which provided an optimistic end to the first half.
At the start of the second half however Reading seemed to have been inspired and won an early short corner, this time Cowley was able to watch the ball skim wide of the post.
Redditch then attacked and Rachel Nevitt forced a short corner for the Redditch girls. This was injected by Nevitt to Laxton who squared the ball, but to the disappointment of the players and supporters, Philippa Williams shot slid agonisingly wide of the post.
Redditch continued in an attacking vein winning a long corner and also there were some promising runs from Kate Racki.
The pressure was then exerted on the defence once again with a series of short corners for the home side, Cowley saved two and Beth Vincent in defence stopped one on the line and Philippa Williams took a nasty blow on the leg blocking a shot however eventually the wall was breached and the sixth goal went in.

Within a minute Reading had scored again with a run from their midfielder making the score 7-0 and only a save from Cowley prevented an eighth only seconds later. Unfortunately the pressure continued and in the 60th minute Reading extended their lead to eight and in the 65th minute they scored a ninth. The final five minutes had Redditch on the back foot but committed play from all the girls avoided another goal being conceded.
Overall the girls put up a spirited fight and played with real commitment. Beth Vincent and Danni Nevitt fought hard in defence and some excellent saves from Cowley kept the total below double figures, Laxton helped inspire the midfield where Moss and Williams fought hard with both Racki twins adding good drives forward, Rachel Nevitt and Millie Vincent lead the line as best they could along with Wallacott who showed excellent skills, Kirsty Williams was inspirational when on and was behind many Redditch attacks however the opposition turned out to be too strong and skilful and 9-0 was overall a fair reflection of Readings domination.

Many thanks to Dave for this superb write up!

Redditch Mens Firsts are now on the brink of securing promotion back to the MRHA West Midlands Premier after securing a 5-1 win at home to Stafford on Saturday.

Going into the away game at Old Silhillians, The Kingfishers will know that a win will guarantee promotion with three games still to play, whilst a draw should also see them up due to their vastly superior goal difference over third placed Droitwich.

But against Stafford on Saturday, Redditch faced a real battle, Stafford in with a shout of taking home the spoils until mid way through the first half.

The Kingfishers very nearly made an immediate impact within the first 30 seconds, Antony Brookes putting an effort wide after Redditch made a quick start.

Brookes put another effort wide in the ninth minute after Richard Sellors played him on nicely, while Pete Dawson and Dave Smith carved out another opportunity in the 11^th minute.

But the pressure paid off a minute later, Dave Smith and Brookes combining well for Sellors to put Redditch ahead at the far post.

Chris Thomas then had a great chance to extend the lead in the 14^th minute, collecting a brilliant up field pass from Dawson, taking the ball around the goalkeeper on the edge of the D only to shoot narrowly wide.

The visitors weren’t out of it though, and forced a save from Redditch keeper Scott Paul in the 24^th minute.

The game was nicely poised at half time, even more so when Stafford equalised five minutes after the break from a penalty flick.

And that seemed to be a needed boost for Stafford started to play better hockey with some flowing moves creating trouble for the Redditch defence.

The Reds weathered the storm though and moved ahead once more in the 51^st minute.

Steve Cook was fouled outside the D and Redditch were awarded a penalty corner. Andy Brooks’ shot was deflected to Sellors, the ball falling beautifully for Cook on the right to fire home from close range.

Six minutes later Redditch had a penalty flick of their own after Cook was fouled in the D, Brooks standing up to put Redditch 3-1 ahead.

And when Redditch scored again in the 63^rd minute it was as good as game over, Cook slamming home from a penalty corner.

Then with three minutes remaining, Redditch made a break through Cook who rounded the keeper before passing to Sellors who grabbed his second of the game to wrap up proceedings.

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Redditch Mens Seconds took another useful step towards promotion, with a 3-2 win away at Old Silhillians.

Adrian Young’s men remain top of their league with just two games remaining, but due to the fixture set-up now face a week out while second and third placed Streetly and Shrewsbury play each other in a game that could go some way towards deciding which two teams are promoted at the end of the year.

After their week off, the Seconds play both Streetly and Shrewsbury in a difficult and nerve-wracking finale to the season.

But if they show the same level of grit and determination during the final games as they have in the second half of the season then promotion will be thoroughly deserved.

Against Old Silhillians Redditch looked to have made things easy for themselves with two goals in the first half.

Dave Baker put them ahead in the sixth minute from a penalty corner, before Lee Beedon doubled the advantage in the 21^st.

And when Alan Povey grabbed Redditch’s third ten minutes into the second half it looked as if it were game over.

The home side fought back though, scoring two goals leaving Redditch on their back feet, but the Kingfishers held on to claim what could be a valuable win.

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Redditch Mens Thirds promotion challenge looks to be over though after losing 4-3 away at Streetly.

Goals from Matt Davies and Lawniey Chiu had put Barry Fitzpatrick’s men two ahead at half time, and despite another Davies strike, Streetly fought back to score four goals that will severely dent Redditch’s promotion aspirations.

Redditch Ladies Firsts claimed a 4-3 win away at Droitwich that cements their mid table status.

Two goals from Anna Stafford put Redditch 2-1 ahead at half time, before goals from Liv Laxton and Leah Healey sewed the game up.

Redditch Ladies Seconds meanwhile stunned league leaders Harbourne with a 4-0 win.

]]> http://redditchhc.co.uk/index.php/2010/03/mens-seconds-take-another-step-towards-promotion/feed/ http://redditchhc.co.uk/index.php/2010/02/demolitions-battles-victories/ http://redditchhc.co.uk/index.php/2010/02/demolitions-battles-victories/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:39:55 +0000 richr http://redditchhc.co.uk/?p=865

Redditch Mens Firsts put in two superb performances on Saturday, the first to clear the pitch of snow following Thursdays blizzard, and then proceeded to demolish bottom side Ludlow 14-1 at Bromsgrove Road.

With the Ladies Firsts game called off, it was only after the Mens Firsts squad cleared the pitch during the afternoon that the match was finally given the go ahead.

And what a good job it did, with Redditch giving their best performance in months.

But after a difficult first half you could have been forgiven for thinking that the Reds were in for a much tougher game.

Redditch took the lead in the tenth minute through Antony Brookes, but only after the visitors had gone close on more than one occasion.

And the visitors were given a way back into the game in the 15^th minute when a defensive error from Ray Jakeman allowed a Ludlow attacker a free run on goal before going round Redditch goalkeeper Scott Paul to slot home.

The visitors continued to exert pressure and should have gone closer from a penalty corner in the 21^st minute but instead shooting wide.

The ascendancy fell towards Redditch in the 23^rd minute though when a Ludlow player was yellowed, and moments later the Kingfishers moved ahead through captain Andy Brooks’ high shot from a penalty corner.

The visitors weren’t without their chances though; another defensive error this time from Paul Markham saw Ludlow gifted another opportunity, only to shoot wide.

But Markham made up for it moments later, clearing a shot off the line with keeper Paul beaten.

Then in the 32^nd minute Redditch made the most of their numerical advantage when Richard Sellors scored from close range in the aftermath of a penalty corner.

Brookes then put a shot wide before Dave Smith grabbed his first in the 35^th minute to send Redditch 4-1 ahead at half time.

But Redditch went in at the break temporarily a man down, Jakeman’s miserable afternoon going from bad to worse after receiving a yellow card for contesting an umpire decision.

Coach Wayne Beard must have had some magic words at half time, for after the interval Ludlow were barely given a sniff as the Kingfishers piled forwards.

Brookes got the ball rolling immediately after capitalising on a rebound from a Brooks shot to score his second of the day from a yard out.

Smith then grabbed his second of the day in the 38^th minute after good work from Sellors, before competing his hat trick two minutes later from a well worked penalty corner routine,

Redditch had half a dozen shots two minutes later that the visiting keeper somehow kept out before Brooks scored his second in the 43^rd minute.

Brookes became the second Redditch player to complete a hat trick in the 52^nd minute, with his shot taking a deflection off the keeper on its way in.

And Brookes’ fourth goal three minutes later moved Redditch into double figures, scoring after good work down the right flank by the energetic Steve Cook.

Brooks then had a shout put onto the crossbar from a penalty corner before getting his hat trick in the 63^rd minute with a powerful shot from inside the D.

Smith had his fourth in the 66^th minute after good work from Cook and Brooks, while Brookes saw a fifth goal go begging after putting the ball over the bar a minute later.

Ludlow then had another player yellowed with just over a minute remaining, and Redditch took advantage again.

Brooks grabbed his fourth of the day from a penalty corner before Jason Ellis-Woodley hit Redditch’s 14^th goal with seconds remaining to complete the rout.

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It was also a good day for the remainder of the club, with both the Mens Seconds and Mens Thirds securing crucial wins.

Adrian Young’s Seconds moved closer to league glory with a battling 4-3 win away at Bridgnorth, again coming from behind to grab a vital win.

The game started evenly with the Redditch defence tested before Pete Dawson broke the deadlock to put Redditch ahead.

Bridgnorth recovered to score two goals, both from first from well drilled penalty corner routines the first just evading keeper Young,

Lee Beedon equalised for Redditch after a silky run, but Bridgnorth were soon ahead again after sloppy defensive work from Redditch allowed a Bridgnorth attacker a free effort on goal.

But Redditch once more showed their fighting qualities that have kept them top of the league, with some improved hockey in the second half.

Kyle Haresign’s persistence on the right wing was rewarded with 15 minutes remaining when his shot from an acute angle was deflected into the net by a Bridgnorth defender.

Beedon then grabbed his second of the day with only a few minutes remaining to secure Redditch a hard earned win that keeps them top of the league with just four games remaining.

But in the dying seconds Redditch suffered what could be a critical blow, Haresign suffering cruciate ligament damage after a heavy tackle, forcing the midfielder to miss the remainder of the season.

Barry Fitzpatrick’s Mens Thirds couldn’t quite replicate their 10-0 demolition of Kingswinford earlier in the season, but still managed a 4-0 win with Jason Abbotts, John Manison and Alex Ward’s double securing an important win in their battle for promotion.

Sunday was less successful for Redditch Mens Firsts as they were sent crashing out of the England Hockey Mens Vase after losing 6-3 at home to Kent side Old Bordenian.

Redditch made a strong start to the game and went ahead in the sixth minute through Richard Sellors’ deflected shot following a penalty corner.

The visitors gradually made their way into the game, forcing Scott Paul into making a save in the eighth minute.

The scores were level in the 16^th minute, a defensive error from captain Andy Brooks allowing an Old Bordenian attacker time on the ball before shooting, the ball deflecting off Paul on it’s way into the goal, with Brooks backtracking unable to stop the ball on the line.

And the visitors were ahead four minutes later, an Old Bordenian attacker allowed a clear shot on goal by the Redditch defence.

The Kingfishers fought back immediately, and equalised from another penalty corner with Steve Cook on hand to fire in at the back post.

Paul was forced into action again in the 23^rd minute, saving well from a brisk Bordenian counter attack.

But with scored level and looking like staying that way until half time, Bordenian countered again, with a shot from the edge of the D finding its way into the net to put the visitors ahead on the stroke of half time.

The half time boost seemed to fire up the visitors even more, and effectively won the game in the first seven minutes following the interval.

Bordenian tore through the Redditch defence in the 39^th minute to go further ahead, and two minutes later a harsh umpiring decision saw Bordenian awarded a free hit, from which they capitalised to grab their fifth goal.

And a minute later the game was won for the visitors, a penalty corner played around well before scoring.

From there a comeback for Redditch never looked likely, although the Kingfishers weren’t without their chances.

Steve Dawes making a return to first team action after several months on the sidelines was just unable to get on the end of a Brooks cross in the 51^st minute, and four minutes later was denied by the goalkeeper with a close range effort after good work from Antony Brookes.

With 12 minutes remaining Redditch hopes were raised when Steve Cook fired home after good work from the Kingfishers midfield.

Five minutes later and the deficit should have been narrowed further, Brooks hitting the crossbar from a penalty corner.

But Bordenian never looked like being seriously threatened and Redditch will now have more time to focus on league glory after seeing the chase for silverware end for another season.

But elsewhere there was more to cheer about as Redditch’s Girls Under 16’s side progressed to the quarter finals of the England Hockey Girls Under 16’s Plate after beating Worcester 2-0 at Bromsgrove Road.

An emotional double from Rachel Nevitt won the game for Redditch after a tight game.

The first came in the 25^th minute, cueing raucous celebrations on both the sidelines and on the pitch, before she added her second with a simple tap in with nine minutes remaining.

Combined with solid work in the defence from Danni Nevitt and Beth Vincent, and some decent goalkeeping from Stacey Cowley, Redditch rarely looked like conceding, leaving Worcester frustrated and Redditch coach Paul Cowley visibly delighted with his teams efforts.

Redditch now face a trip to Reading on March 7^th with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

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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 11^th 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 14^th 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 27^th 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 31^st 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 46^th 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 48^th 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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Redditch Mens Seconds drew for the first time this season, but still remain top of the MRHA Mens Second Team West Midlands Division One after seeing other results fall their way.

In a tight encounter at home to Evesham, the Reds once again demonstrated their battling spirit to salvage a 4-4 draw despite at one stage being 3-1 down, but will feel aggrieved not to have won after Alan Povey saw a late penalty flick disallowed after a controversial umpire decision.

Redditch took the lead early on through Tim Gibbs’ sublime drive from a penalty corner.

But Evesham rallied and quickly recovered to move 3-1 ahead, leaving Redditch reeling.

Povey grabbed a tap in to reduce the deficit, only to see Evesham restore their two-goal advantage.

Pete Dawson pulled one back for Redditch though, before Ben Hyde grabbed the equaliser.

Then with seconds remaining, Redditch were awarded a penalty flick, from which Povey thought he had scored, only for the umpires to decide moments later that his stick had mate contact with the ball twice and was therefore illegal.

But the draw will be regarded as a good result by captain Adrian Young, with Evesham the stronger side throughout.

Redditch Mens Thirds were defeated 2-0 away at Stafford and now face an uphill battle in the race for promotion, while Redditch Ladies Firsts were beaten 6-0 away at Tenbury.

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Redditch Mens Firsts produced a mesmerising fight back on Saturday, overcoming a vastly improved Kidderminster side 3-2 at Bromsgrove Road,

It was a far from convincing performance, and with several key players missing, including captain Andy Brooks, it was a threadbare squad available to coach Wayne Beard, and after falling behind to two first half Kidderminster goals it looked as if the game would be too much for the Kingfishers.

But a stirring final 15 minutes saw Redditch overcome the odds to secure an unlikely victory.

Redditch began the game strongly, a nice move in the fourth minute from Dave Smith and Antony Brookes finding Dave Pilkington in the D, who was just unable to make the most of the opportunity.

Dan Jakeman then created an opening for Richard Sellors, but a lack of control saw a chance go begging.

Sellors almost made amends five minutes later, seeing his shot saved by the goalkeeper, with Steve Cook also denied by the visiting keeper moments later.

But Kidderminster counter attacked well in the 13^th minute, and took the lead with their first attack of the game.

The goal shocked Redditch, and Kidderminster were soon threatening again, this time with a penalty corner that was well saved by stand in goalkeeper Adrian Young.

But the lead was doubled in the 15^th minute after the visitors were awarded a penalty flick, scoring despite Young guessing the right way.

Kidderminster proceeded to finish the half the strongest with several more chances to further extend their lead, though Redditch showed signs of promise with a couple of half decent opportunities, including a penalty corner that saw Brookes first have a shot saved and then put one wide.

The second half began with a flurry of missed opportunities for Redditch with the Kidderminster goalkeeper making four saves in four minutes to deny Redditch a pathway back into the game.

And when Cook was yellowed in the 50^th minute and thus enduring a ten-minute sin bin, the game looked as good as lost.

But despite being a man down, it was still Redditch controlling play and creating chances.

Pilkington won a penalty corner from which Brookes saw another shot saved, while a brilliantly crafted move moments later, with Sellors, Jason Ellis-Woodley and stand in captain Chris Thomas all involved saw Thomas in with a chance of putting his team back into the game, only for his fierce drive from the edge of the D to be saved by the goalkeeper.

Brookes then had more chances from two penalty corners in succession, one shot meeting the goalkeepers’ gloves with the other spooning over the bar.

But it was Cook’s return to the pitch that seemed to give the added spark Redditch needed, Cook almost scoring within seconds of rejoining play, only to shoot wide.

Three minutes later, Cook found Brookes on the P-spot who took a decent first touch before a composed finish into the roof of the net to get the comeback rolling.

And two minutes later a trademark set piece from a penalty corner saw Brookes return the favour, with Cook firing home from his cross.

Then, when a Kidderminster player was yellowed with less than five minutes remaining, Redditch moved in for the kill.

With little more than three minutes remaining, a Redditch shot hit a Kidderminster body on the goal line, leaving the umpires with no choice but to award a penalty flick.

Brookes stepped up and fired into the back of the net to put the Kingfishers ahead for the first time in the game.

But Redditch had goalkeeper Young to thank, when with moments to spare, and the game seemingly won, Kidderminster made a last gasp break for a point and had two players clear of the Redditch defence.

Young narrowed the angle before sliding out to claim the ball for the home side.

And with the ball cleared away and the last moments counted down, Redditch were able to celebrate a dramatic and eventually deserved win.

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Redditch’s four other teams had poor days on Saturday, no side managing to secure a win.

A brace from Anna Stafford wasn’t enough as Redditch Ladies Firsts were defeated 3-2 away at Badsey, while the Ladies Seconds lost 2-0 at home Ludlow.

Redditch Mens Thirds slipped up in their promotion campaign on Saturday losing 3-2 at home to Old Silhillians.

Goals from Tim Oscroft and Jason Abbotts had put Barry Fitzpatrick’s men 2-1 ahead at half time, but the visitors left it late to score twice to steal the game.

A Pete Dawson hat trick was the highlight for the Mens Seconds on Saturday, but even that couldn’t prevent a 4-3 defeat away at Finchfield.

But Adrian Young’s second string made amends on Sunday with a tight 3-1 victory in their rearranged fixture at home to Berkswell and Balsall Common.

Things started off shakily, Young in goal called upon as early as the second minute to make a save after the visitors carved out a decent opportunity before hitting the post from the rebound.

Redditch recovered and had a chance to grab the lead almost immediately after with Pete Dawson’s shot from a well worked penalty corner saved by the visiting goalkeeper, Bryan Melliard also going close from a penalty corner in the seventh minute.

And it was Melliard who put Redditch ahead a minute later after the Kingfishers broke through the Berkswell defence.

A superb ball from defender Rob Markham gave Alan Povey the chance to double the lead in the 14^th minute after, only to shoot wide.

Berkswell were still a threat though and looked to draw level after breaking in the 25^th minute, but Young was equal to the shot and pulled off a save.

But Young was beaten a minute later as Berkswell scored from a penalty corner, Young saving the initial shot before the rebound was fired in.

Redditch re-took the lead soon after though, Povey winning a penalty corner in the 33^rd minute, from which Tim Gibbs switched left to Dawson who coolly hit the backboard.

The second half was a quieter affair, with both Melliard and Povey seeing chances wasted, Povey going closest seeing a shot saved from a penalty corner in the 60^th minute, Gibbs also in the thick of it with an effort from a penalty corner also saved two minutes later.

But Povey made up for his earlier misses when with three minutes remaining a nicely crafted Redditch move saw Povey deflect in at the near post to wrap up proceedings and keep Redditch top of the MRHA Second Team League West Midlands Division One.

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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 28^th 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 38^th 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 47^th 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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Redditch Mens Seconds pulled off a stunning fight back to beat Droitwich seconds 5-4 at home on Saturday.

Adrian Young’s second string were 3-0 down after just ten minutes after a sloppy start and some suspect goalkeeping.

But the Kingfishers showed great character to claw it back to 3-2 at half time, Pete Dawson grabbing the first before in-form youngster Ben Hyde scored the second.

Droitwich extended their lead after half time, but Tim Gibbs got the Redditch come back rolling with a trademark goal from a penalty corner, the ball deflecting off a Droitwich foot on its way to the backboard.

Dawson then grabbed the equaliser before Hyde scored his fourth goal in three games to snatch victory.

With Streetly only managing a draw, Redditch remain top of the MRHA West Midlands Second Team West Midlands Division One. A point ahead of Shrewsbury with a game in hand, while former table toppers Streetly could only manage a draw with Finchfield.

The Seconds were also due to play Berkswell & Balsall Common on Sunday, but the game was postponed until this Sunday due to a frozen pitch.

Barry Fitzpatrick’s Mens Thirds were also victims of the weather, with their game at Bloxwich postponed.

Similarly Redditch Ladies Firsts game against Bromsgrove at Trinity High School was postponed, though the Ladies Seconds were able to play on Saturday, winning 3-1 at home to Kings Heath Pickwick.

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Redditch Mens Firsts title aspirations took another blow on Saturday after a 6-3 defeat at home to mid-table Market Drayton.

The Reds remain second in the league and still in the promotion places five points above third placed Droitwich but are now three points behind red-hot league leaders Streetly.

Having lost heavily to Streetly before the Christmas break, Redditch were looking to kick-start their faltering campaign, but instead were left stunned as three Market Drayton goals inside the opening seven minutes set the tone for the match.

The visitors were ahead with barely a minute on the clock, and doubled their lead in the fourth after a one-on-one with Redditch keeper Scott Paul.

And when Market Drayton pushed forward to score again in the seventh minute the game seemed as good as lost already.

But that was as good as it got for the visitors in the first half, as Redditch fought back to dominate the remainder of the first 35.

The first goal came in the 15^th minute with captain Andy Brooks firing home from a penalty corner.

A second very nearly came a minute later, Antony Brookes seeing a shot saved by the visiting goalkeeper.

A minute later and Redditch put together the best move of the game, Brooks passing to Paul Markham who delivered an inch-perfect cross to Steve Cook in the D, only to shoot wide.

Brookes by now was in the thick of the action and saw another two shots thwarted in the next five minutes.

Back up the other end and Redditch had keeper Paul to thank after first charging down an attacker before saving a shot from a sideline ball.

Redditch were still threatening and very nearly pulled another one back in the 28^th minute after a penalty corner-Brooks’ shot almost deflected in by a diving Richard Sellors, and Brookes shooting wide from the rebound.

A minute later though and the home side got the goal their play deserved, Brookes finally hitting home after a decent cross from Dave Smith.

Redditch began the second half strongly as well and had a succession of penalty corners that on another day would have hit the backboard, only this time to be stopped by the visitors on form goalkeeper.

But just when a leveller seemed certain, Market Drayton swiftly counter attacked in the 45^th minute to score once more.

From there a Redditch fight back was always going to be difficult, keeper Paul under building pressure, and on several occasions on hand to keep the home side in the game.

Despite all his efforts, Paul was beaten again in the 53^rd minute after another Market Drayton counter attack.

It was game over three minutes later when a powerful sideline hit made its way straight into the Redditch D with a visiting attacker on hand to poke in to give the visitors a 6-2 lead.

Jason Ellis-Woodley restored some hope for Redditch with ten minutes remaining, but it was a hopeless cause and The Kingfishers will now have to rebuild again to prevent a still strong promotion push from falling apart completely.

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Adrian Young’s second string were comfortable 5-0 winners away at Leamington, a much needed result after two defeats before Christmas had wiped out their lead at the top of the table.

Playing their first game since December 12^th and with midfielder Tim Gibbs return to the squad adding vital experience to the centre line, the cobwebs were quickly shaken off, with Ben Hyde grabbing the opener mid way through the half.

The Reds then controlled possession in the second half and it was no surprise to see Dave Baker extending the lead from a penalty corner.

Redditch then ran riot with Pete Dawson embarking on his now trademark dazzling run and fierce strike to make it three.

Good work from Dave Pilkington then saw the Kingfishers awarded a penalty flick, with Baker on hand to grab his second of the day.

And Baker completed his hat trick with a strike from another penalty corner.

With results going their way, Redditch now sit atop the table once more, level on points with both Streetly and Evesham, but crucially ahead on goal difference.

Barry Fitzpatrick’s Mens Thirds secured a 4-0 win at home to Evesham and are also joint-top of their league.

Tom Newton opened the scoring, with Jason Abbots adding the second before Fitzpatrick joined the party with a fierce drive from the edge of the D to send Redditch in 3-0 at the break.

The second half was not as fluid as the first however, Abbots extending the lead with another strike, but with several chances squandered Redditch missed out on a decent opportunity to improve their goal difference.

The Ladies Firsts lost 6-2 to Stourport Seconds, but put up a strong fight with a mixture of youth and experience.

Redditch took the lead after Leah Healey cut through the Stourport defence before unleashing Anna Perrot, playing her second game of the day, to fire home.

The visitors scored two goals mid way through the half to go in 2-1 ahead at the break.

Within three minutes of the restart Stourport scored again, but Perrot put Redditch back in the game two minutes later after dribbling through the defence and around the visitors goalkeeper.

But Stourport were to score three more times before the end of the half to run out 6-2 winners.

Redditch Seconds drew 2-2 at home to Droitwich, the visitors taking the lead after 10 minutes with Becci Gilroy equalising at the end of the half for Redditch.

Droitwich took the lead again with 10 minutes remaining, but Anna Perrot did well with five minutes remaining to give Redditch a share of the spoils.

Redditch Mens Firsts were finally beaten for the first time in the MRHA West Midlands Division One after a bitterly disappointing performance at home to second placed Streetly.

Redditch, having looked so good in their campaign to bounce back immediately from relegation have hit the rocks recently with some troubled performances, and were barely given a sniff on Saturday, succumbing to a 5-0 defeat, as the visitors seemingly took the majority of their chances to move ahead of Redditch to top the table at the Christmas break.

A tough game for Redditch was made apparent almost immediately after Streetly made a quick start out of the blocks delivering a ball right across the face of goal in the opening seconds.

It was Redditch who had the first meaningful chance on goal though, Andy Brooks seeing a shot from a penalty corner saved in the 7^th minute.

A minute later and Streetly took the lead after counter attacking from a Redditch free hit. Goalkeeper Scott Paul was on hand to save the intial strike, but the rebound fell kindly to another attacker who put the visitors ahead.

Streetly doubled their lead in the 17^th minute after cutting through the Redditch midfield before passing to an attacker who took the ball around Paul to hit home.

There was no respite for Redditch and they were on the back foot for much of the remainder of the half with Streetly hitting one shot over the bar, seeing several go wide and forcing Paul into action on more than one occasion.

It was more of the same after the break, and Streetly moved further ahead in the 38^th minute after scoring from a short corner.

Steve Cook and Ben Husband were then both on hand to break down further Streetly advances before the visitors moved 4-0 ahead in the 50^th minute after working the ball around well.

Redditch had their first real effort from open play two minutes later, a frustrated Antony Brookes delivering a fierce drive from the edge of the D straight at the Streetly goalkeeper.

Despite some pressure from Redditch with several penalty corners it was Streetly who were to score again with ten minutes remaining to seal an easy win.

And the upcoming Christmas break seems to have come at the right time for Redditch who seem to have tired of late, and will now hope to regroup over the festive period in order to kick start their campaign.

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Redditch had four regular players missing, but solid performances in midfield from promising youngsters Dean Farmer, James Makin and Dave Pilkington ensured they carried a potent attacking threat, while Dan Jakeman put in a sterling display, proving a rock at the centre of the park.

After a slow start on a difficult pitch, Redditch fell behind inside five minutes, but replied with a superb goal, the ball played around nicely from a 16-yard hit and with five simple passes Shrewsbury were torn apart allowing Ben Hyde to grab a goal on his debut.

And Redditch had reversed the score line by half time, Dave Baker firing home from a penalty corner to send the Reds 2-1 ahead at the break.

However the second half proved more difficult, and an experienced Shrewsbury side were able to score three goals to win the game 4-2.

But with Redditch still top of the table on goal difference at the Christmas break, captain Adrian Young could not be happier with his men.

“I am proud of that the team has managed to achieve so far this season,” said the skipper.

“Being top at Christmas is way beyond expectations and I hope the lads can keep up the enthusiasm we have shown so far and hopefully we can be in the same position come the end of the season.”

Redditch Mens Threes secured a brilliant 6-4 away win at top of the table Droitwich in a bizarre game.

Alex Ward opened the scoring inside the first ten minutes with a well-taken goal before Droitwich equalised.

But Redditch moved back in front less than a minute later, Tom Newton picking the ball up in midfield before running with it all the way into the D, taking on several defenders in the process before scoring.

Droitwich equalised again before half time but Redditch moved ahead again after half time through Jason Abbots whose follow through with his stick caught a Droitwich defender on the head causing a lengthy delay in proceedings whilst medical attention was sought.

Droitwich re-grouped and scored two goals in quick succession to move ahead for the first time in the game.

But Matt Grubb levelled for Redditch and from there on in Droitwich, already a man down through the earlier injury, began to lose their heads and went another man down after seeing a player yellowed.

Then, their goalkeeper was given a red-card after tacking a Redditch player outside his area, leaving Droitwich with eight players, one of them having to take up the vacant goalkeeper position with little in the way of protection.

The advantage was firmly in Redditch’s grasp and they inevitably moved ahead moments later with Terry Dean hitting home from a penalty corner.

And it was Abbots who finished the game off in the final five minutes to give Redditch a vital win in the race for promotion.

It was a mixed weekend of fortunes for Redditch Hockey Clubs men’s sides on Saturday, as the Mens Firsts continued their unbeaten start with a tight win away at Newtown, but the Mens Seconds were finally beaten at home to Streetly.

The Firsts won 4-3, but fell behind in the first half before goals from Andy Brooks and David Smith saw Redditch move ahead.

The lead was extended to two goals with another Smith effort before Newtown recovered to equalise at 3-3.

However Redditch were awarded a penalty flick and Brooks duly stepped up to give Redditch a lead they were not to relinquish this time around.

Redditch Mens Seconds saw their lead at the top of the table reduced to three points as Streetly became the first side to deny the Kingfishers a win this season.

Things started off well enough, Alan Povey putting Redditch ahead inside three minutes after good work from Ray Jakeman.

Streetly almost made an instant response, breaking well with Redditch goalkeeper Adrian Young called into action to clear the danger away.

Signs of a physical game to come were exhibited in the fifth minute though when Bryan Melliard was brought down, suffering an elbow in the face in the process.

The visitors were a definite threat going forward and put a shot wide in the sixth minute before Young was called into action again a minute later.

But Streetly were able to equalise after a penalty corner in the seventh minute.

Undeterred, Redditch continued to push forward with Kyle Haresign looking a threat, putting a cross right across the face of goal in the 12^th minute.

The pressure paid off, and Redditch won a penalty corner in the 20^th minute from which Lee Beedon scored to give the Kingfishers the lead once more.

Once again, the visitors made an instant response and were level again two minutes later following a scramble in the D.

Redditch were back in front in the 28^th minute, finally taking their chance after three penalty corners with Melliard moving round the defence to fire home.

Tempers were beginning to flare by now and Streetly went a man down after he was yellowed for unsporting conduct.

Despite this, the visitors continued pressing forward and James Makin was on hand to break down an attack after a decent tackle.

The story didn’t change after half time, with Streetly continuing to look dangerous, Young making a save in the 40^th minute to keep Redditch ahead.

Streetly were back on level terms seven minutes later though, after their attackers ran through the Redditch defence before flicking the ball over Young.

Somewhat unbelievably, Redditch went back ahead a minute later with Melliard again on target from a penalty corner.

As usual, Streetly were instantly back on the attack and Young was again in action to put a shot wide.

Under more pressure from a penalty corner, Paul Baker did well to block a shot that seemed destined for goal in the 56^th minute.

Povey then had a clear chance to put Redditch further in front, Tim Gibbs taking a free hit quickly before unleashing Povey who went one-on-one with the goalkeeper only to shoot narrowly wide.

Meanwhile back up the other end a combination of Baker and Melliard stopped Streetly from advancing further when on a decent break.

But the visitors were level again in the 63^rd minute, with a shot from a narrow angle going through both Melliard and Young’s legs before hitting the backboard.

Povey had another opportunity with four minutes remaining, but hit the post after being put through by Gibbs.

It was Streetly that finished stronger though, and Young made a vital challenge with three minutes remaining with the Streetly attacker otherwise clear on goal.

Another Streetly shot was put wide moments later before Redditch made a break through Haresign passing to Beedon who saw his shot saved by the goalkeeper.

Then with a minute remaining Streetly had three penalty corners in a row, and made the final one stick after playing the ball around well to go ahead for the first time.

And with little time remaining, Redditch had no chance to respond and now contemplate another difficult game, this time away at fellow high-flyers Shrewsbury on Saturday.

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It’s commonly said that the signs of a good team is one that wins despite playing below their best, and Redditch Mens Firsts did just that on Saturday, eventually seeing off Old Silhillians 2-1 in a feisty encounter at Bromsgrove Road.

A high scoring game it may not have been, but that did not detract from the spectacle of a match with more twists and turns than the streets of Monte Carlo.

Redditch goalkeeper Scott Paul was the hero for the home side, showing fantastic reflexes to deny Old Silhillians on several occasions.

But it could have been so much easier for the Kingfishers, and they should have gone ahead within two minutes.

Antony Brookes won the ball in midfield before crossing to Andy Brooks whose cross in front of the goal was narrowly missed by Richard Sellors.

Paul was forced into action for the first time in the 12^th minute after the visitors made a break from midfield, the Redditch stopper saving acrobatically to deny Old Silhillians the lead.

Redditch weren’t without their chances, Brooks driving forward from a free hit and passing to Cook whose shot was saved by the goalkeeper, Dave Smith seeing his effort from the rebound saved as well.

The visitors were looking the more dangerous side though, and Paul was again in action, this time denying the visitors with a brilliant double save after they had carved through the Redditch back line.

Old Silhillians were clear on goal again in the 29^th minute, Paul coming out of his goal and forcing the attacker wide leaving him unable to unleash a shot.

But an Old Silhillians penalty corner saw them eventually take the lead in the 32^nd minute, with a powerful shot from the edge of the D.

Redditch had a penalty corner of their own a minute later, raising hopes of an instant comeback, but Brooks’ shot went wide.

After a severe half-time rollicking from coach Wayne Beard, the Kingfishers made an energetic start to the second half and won a penalty corner in the 39^th minute after Pete Dawson was fouled in the D-but this time Brooks’ shot was saved by the goalkeeper.

The visitors were looking to build on their lead and continued to look dangerous.

But Chris Thomas was a workhorse in the Redditch midfield, battling hard to get a cross through the D, but again no-one was able to get on the end of it.

By now tempers were beginning to flare and confrontations were becoming more frequent with both sides lucky not to see players sin-binned.

But in the 57^th minute Sellors was on hand to equalise for the Kingfishers with a shot from a penalty corner.

The game was at its most competitive by now, with the ball rushing from end to end with regular abandon.

A good attacking run from Dawson was immediately broken down and turned into an Old Silhillians offensive, with Paul again saving Redditch’s blushes.

Then with five minutes remaining and a draw looking the favourite result, Redditch played a penalty corner around well to Jason Ellis-Woodley who fired home to put the home side ahead for the first time in the game.

From there on in it should have been a case of keeping hold the ball, but this is Redditch and occasionally the simple things don’t seem so easy, and with seconds remaining Paul saved the day with a superb save after the visitors made a last gasp break.

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Redditch were quick out the blocks, Emma Preston and Anna Stafford creating chances inside the first five minutes.

But at the other end Danni Nevitt was twice called upon to break down attacks from the visitors.

The first opportunity of note came in the ninth minute, the Silhillians goalkeeper diving at Stafford’s feet after Sam Donlon played her into a one-on-one situation.

Angie Taylor then found Preston in the fifteenth minute, who ran the ball round several players before crossing from the edge of the D, with the goalkeeper just managing to gather the situation.

The visitors were building in confidence though, and Nevitt under pressure from two attackers did well to clear the ball away from danger after Old Silhillians made a break.

The deadlock was broken in the 23^rd minute though, the visitors taking the lead after Redditch failed to clear a scramble in the D.

Redditch regrouped though, and were back on level terms five minutes later, Stafford running the ball through midfield before padding to Donlon whose shot went under the keeper to equalise.

And buoyed on by their equaliser it was the Kingfishers who finished the half stronger, winning two short corners that could have seen the home side take the lead going in at the break.

But Redditch fell behind again shortly after half time, a shot from the visitors deflected in by Nevitt on the line in the 39^th minute.

It was a lead Old Silhillians wouldn’t relinquish, and they moved further ahead three minutes later after slicing through the home defence.

Redditch were still in with a shout, the introduction of Leah Healey providing another option on the wing, while Donlon had a chance gathered up by the goalkeeper in the 47^th minute after an incisive move by the Redditch midfield.

Five minutes later though and Old Silhillians as good as finished the game off by scything through the Redditch defence to move 4-1 ahead.

To their credit Redditch were still working hard, Preston, Stafford and Becky Southwell combining well in midfield on several occasions, and it was the Kingfishers who finished the game stronger with the visitors only too happy to sit back and defend their lead.

But despite several efforts in the last few minutes, Redditch were unable to make any inroads into Old Silhillians’ lead, and drop to sixth in the Worcestershire League Division 1.

In an attacking game, goals from John Manison, Terry Dean and Jason Abbots weren’t quite enough to see off their Worcestershire rivals, but will be confident ahead of their home game to basement boys Kidderminster this weekend.

Redditch Ladies Seconds were beaten 3-1 at Stourport, but were handed a goalkeeping conundrum after Stacey Cowley received a late call-up from the Ladies Firsts, leaving the Seconds with no recognised goalkeeper in their line-up.

Beth Vincent however made her first appearance in goal, and gave an assured display.

Kate Knightingale was the scorer for Redditch, who despite losing gave a solid display with their youngsters in particular shining through.

There was better news though for the Girls Under 16’s, who progressed to the next round of the England Hockey Girls Under 16’s Plate, winning 3-0 on Penalty flicks at Gloucester City after drawing 1-1 in normal time.

Redditch dominated the first half but were unable to break the deadlock.

Gloucester started the second half stronger, but against the run of play Philippa Williams was able to put Redditch ahead.

The home side continued to pressure though and deservedly moved back onto level terms mid way through the second half.

And Gloucester should have won the game in the dying seconds, only to miss at the back post.

That brought the game down to the lottery of penalty flicks, and Redditch goalkeeper Stacey Cowley was the star of the shootout.

Cowley saved Gloucester’s first flick before Danni Nevitt put Redditch ahead by placing the ball just inside the post, out of reach of the Gloucester keeper.

Cowley then pulled off another save before Nicola Moss capped off a decent display by putting Redditch two goals ahead.

Gloucester may not have believed their eyes when Cowley went on to save their third flick, before Williams calmly buried hers to send Redditch through to round three.