REDDITCH Hockey Club saw several of their teams beaten in very close games last weekend although the men’s second team were able to secure victory.

The men’s second team beat Kings Heath 2nds 2-1 as the men’s and women’s first teams both succumbed to one-goal defeats.

And the men’s third team were also beaten by a single goal whilst the fourth team suffered a two-goal defeat.

RESULTS

Redditch Men’s 2nds 2-1 Kings Heath 2nds

Redditch produced a dominant performance to beat Kings Heath and took the lead on 12 minutes after Lee Beedon showed great agility to skip past several defenders and set up Richard Sellors who scored with a shot across the face of goal.

However, Redditch were reduced to 10-men when a poorly-timed challenge resulted in a green card which gave Kings Heath a penalty corner from which the visitors equalised with a simple tap in at the back post after a couple of initials efforts were cleared.

The home side responded with chances of their own as Harry Gwyer spurned one-on-one chances against the keeper after some good running up the pitch.

And Redditch eventually restored their lead when Sellors’ shot deflected past the Kings Heath keeper in the final few minutes.

Sellors’ clinical finishing ultimately helped Redditch to victory whilst Kristofor Sunburk impressed on debut with Martyn Strong and keeper Ben Bryant impeccable at the back.

Old Silhillians 5ths 2-1 Redditch Men’s 3rds

Redditch men’s 3rds slipped to narrow defeat at Old Silhillians 5ths despite making a strong start as the home goalkeeper frustrated the visitors with several crucial saves throughout the first half.

And Redditch’s only goal came from Barry Fitzpatrick, who netted a well-taken penalty stroke, as Old Silhillians grew into the game and equalised from a penalty corner.

The home side completed the turnaround with a goal on the counter attack as they caught Redditch out of shape who felt a decision went against them.

Redditch pushed for an equaliser but were once again thwarted by an inspired goalkeeping performance as they head into a top of the table clash with Sutton.

Redditch Men’s 4ths (Development) 4-6 Barford Tigers 5ths (Development)

Redditch’s development team were beaten by Barford Tigers 5ths who were out for revenge after their humiliating defeat against Redditch 3rds the previous week.

The home side fell two goals behind and recovered to take a 4-3 lead only for Barford to score three unanswered goals to claim victory.

Redditch’s goals were scored by William Wright, Josh Checkley, Mark Gosnell and Russ Baldwin.

Elsewhere, Redditch Men’s first team were beaten 4-3 by Cannock 1sts and the women’s first team lost 2-1 to Edgbaston 2nds whilst the women’s 2nds game and the Badgers games were cancelled with the opposition unable to field sides.