Match: League Match 5 – Bournville Warriors 3 vs 2 Redditch United

Date: Sunday 14th October 2007

Report: (By Kevin McGarry)

Following a narrow defeat at Cadburys in their last away game the Reds were again unlucky to fall to an undeserved 3-2 defeat in this very even match. Ben Newman and Dan began as subs as the Reds looked to end a recent run of poor results and were on the attack from the first whistle. In a scrappy opening Matt, Brad and Jack produced the best move to create a half chance which was wasted. First Ben Mc then George had to make timely interceptions to thwart the home side. Huddy also bravely blocked an attempted cross shortly after an injury scare. This was closely followed by Sam having to concede a corner following a bright Bourneville move as the home side began to exert pressure. Hence it was no surprise when Bourneville opened the scoring after the defence failed to clear a long throw into the box and an unmarked attacker prodded home. Nick was next to suffer an injury as he and Brad attempted to create an opening down the right. Bourneville next broke away and Ross was forced to make a full length save tipping a goal bound effort just wide. From the resultant corner Ross saved a long range attempt and the ensuing scramble almost produced an own goal. The half came to a close with Jack producing two good blocks.

Half Time Score: Bournville Warriors 1 vs 0 Redditch United

Manager Delaney rang the changes at the interval with Dan and Ben N replacing the energetic Jack & Matt. Immediately the half-time team talk seemed to be working as the Reds were much more threatening. A typical surging Charlie run produced a corner and Brad and Max were now seeing more of the ball and dictating the play. Nick worked hard to win possession and release Charlie and from the cross Ben N. had a shot saved by the home keeper. As the Reds exerted a lot of pressure the home keeper was spotted by linesman and referee handling just outside the box and from the resultant free-kick Brad exquisitely looped the ball high into the top corner for a delightful equalising goal.

The boys had their tails up now and the defence were looking very solid against the rare Bourneville attacks. Max and Charlie continued to run at the stretched home defence and 3 corners followed in quick succession. From the last of these Dan latched on to a loose ball in the box to fire home and give the Reds a 2 vs 1 lead. With the game now at the ¾ mark Bourneville upped the tempo to try and retrieve the game and within 2 mins. were level from a good long range effort which went in off the post. The game was now finely balanced and chances followed at either end, the home keeper just reaching a fine Nick cross in front of Max. Ross too was having to claim crosses and long range shots. Redditch went route one from a long Ross kick which was headed on to Max who darted through and was only stopped by an excellent last ditch tackle. Brad then had a good attempt saved followed by another Ben N. shot being covered by the home keeper. Jack replaced Charlie who had been very prominent since the interval as both teams endeavoured to win the game in the last 5 minutes. Bourneville fashioned a good move down the right and George made yet another good block. From the loose ball a speculative high long range effort looped over Ross to cruelly give the home side a 3 vs. 2 lead with only a couple of minutes left. Try as they did the Reds couldn’t muster another meaningful effort and unluckily succumbed to a narrow defeat.

Full Time Score: Bournville Warriors 3 vs 2 Redditch United

Reds Goals/Scorers: 2nd Half: Brad - Superb Beckhamesque, free kick into top corner.

  Dan - Poachers strike following quick reaction in crowded goal mouth.

Man of the Match: Sam - Excellent all round performance and marshalling of the team (chosen by referee)

Formation:  4 - 4 - 2

Colours:  Red/White Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

Substitutes:  BEN N, DAN