We started off the better of the two sides, Joe Neal forced a good close range save from the goalie, after we had dominated possession early on. However, the opening goal went to the hosts. A quick, slick passing move resulted in Callum Rowe being given space to shoot and he curled an effort into the top corner from the edge of the box. We didn’t let going a goal behind deter us though; as we applied further pressure, Joe forced the ‘keeper into a replica save of the one he had already made, and we then hit the post as Romario hit a volley with the outside of his boot, which bounced of the inside of the post and across goal. Tom Dickens tapped just wide from six yards out- but he was offside anyway. On the stroke of half-time, Malachi drilled a low shot which the goalkeeper did very well to stop.

We started the second half as well as we had ended the first, dominating possession and creating chances. Once again though, against the run of play, we conceded. Another penalty given against us, and the Redditch skipper calmly slotted into the top corner. With ten minutes to go, substitute Reuben Marshall flashed a strong effort just wide of the post, a shot which made fans behind the goal see their life flash before their eyes. A few minutes later, we finally got one back. Malachi’s shot fired off the post, but Tom Dickens was alert to score with a diving header, he wasn’t going to miss twice! Bradders made a huge save late on with his feet to stop Redditch scoring on the counter attack, but there wasn’t any further time to find an equaliser.

Another match, where we come away wondering how we didn’t get something from it, but we are seeing more progress week on week. One more game before Christmas, so come down and maybe you’ll get an early Christmas present!

UP THE SUDS

By Isaac Mennie