Match Report 24-11-18

West Midlands Division 1 has been thrown wide open after Redditch 1st XI picked up a useful 3 points with victory over local rivals Bromsgrove. The result puts the Kingfishers back into a promotion spot but the top 6 are all in contention. This week Redditch play table toppers Market Drayton.

It was far from a perfect performance but Redditch showed grit and determination to get the result especially after they once again found themselves behind, 1-0 down after a mistake in the attacking third by captain Adrian Young left the team helpless to a speedy counter attack by Bromsgrove. Redditch thought a response was going to be almost instant as Pete Dawson broke through the Bromsgrove defence with just the keeper to beat but he slipped the ball to his left and his teammates, charging at goal were unable to get on to the end of it. A routine short corner, deflected home by man-of-the-match Andy Billingham, his second goal of the season, shortly before half time put Redditch into the break at 1-1. At times in the second half, Redditch couldnt make use of the possession that they enjoyed as Bromsgrove worked hard to pressure every ball and the game became fiercely competitive. 

Redditch were determined and it was Pete Dawson who gave the kingfishers the lead with his 6th goal of the season. Bromsgrove instantly hit back and the game was heading for a draw when, with less than 5 minutes to go, Redditch pressed forward and were rewarded when Dan Waite’s shot was initially saved by the goalkeeper before he pounced on the rebound and slotted home. A few tense minutes followed but Redditch held on to secure the 3-2 win.

Mens 4s with agood performance by the whole team saw Redditch come out on top in what was a closely contested match. They controlled play for the first 20 minutes keeping Sutton pinned in their own 23 and forced onto the defensive. A goal by Josh Checkley put the home team into the lead although Sutton equalised shortly after. Sutton reversed the pattern of play for the rest of the half by keeping Redditch on the defensive though a late break out resulted in Alan Povey scoring to give the home side a 2-1 advantage at half time.

The second half started with Redditch pressing hard and Josh Checkley ensured that Sutton felt the pressure by scoring a second goal for a 3-1 lead. There was some excellent play by the young members of the midfield, Alfie Wheeler and Ben Morris who covered a lot of ground by pressing the attack and bolstering the defence. Once again there was a great performance from Aaron Hunt in goal. Sutton pressed hard in the closing stage and scored a late goal 30 seconds before the full time whistle.

All in all a finely balanced game which Redditch deservedly won 3-2.