Match: League Match 11 – Redditch Utd 2 vs 0 Bromsgrove Blades

Date: Sunday 27th January 2008

Report: (By Kev McGarry)

The Reds finally returned to league action today for the first time since 16th December last year against strugglers Bromsgrove though they didn’t appear as such in a close well fought game that belied their lowly league position. The reds began with the now familiar 4-3-3 formation with George up front on the right and Jack and Dan starting as substitutes. From the off the boys showed no sign of rustiness as they were first to attack from a fine run by Ben N which resulted in the game’s first corner. This came to nothing and the game became a midfield tussle early on with plenty of endeavour but little creation or goalmouth activity. The visitors first attempt of note came from a corner where an unmarked header floated well wide of the target. Bromsgrove were getting a foothold on the match and playing downhill with the wind started to look threatening. In quick succession mid way through the half Ross was called into action on 4 occasions to collect crosses and make one particularly good save as the Reds were pegged back in their own half. The pressure was relieved by a smart break from Max who had a snapshot well saved and although the follow up effort appeared to be blocked by an outstretched arm the referee waved play on. Brad then weaved a bit of his magic producing a superb effort which cannoned off the bar. George connected with the follow up which again came back off the woodwork as Redditch now got on top. Matt and Nick were marshalling the central defence well and Bromsgroves attacking threat began to wane. Sam was starting to command the midfield with some clever passing when he stretched a hamstring and had to be replaced by Jack. The Reds earned a free kick inside the visitor’s half from which Matt expertly picked out Jack’s attacking run. Jack delightly took the ball in his stride on his chest before turning inside the defender to slot home at the keeper’s near post for a glorious goal to open the scoring. Bromsgrove did not lose heart and Huddy and Nick both had to make good interceptions to keep them at bay before a long range effort eluded everyone as it flew across the box and just wide of Ross’ far post. From another Reds free kick Max created a half chance for Charlie whose attempt was cleared. Brad and Charlie were looking dangerous down the flanks and Brad almost sent Max clean through but the keeper was alert to cut out the danger as the half closed.

Half Time Score: Redditch Utd 1 vs 0 Bromsgrove Blades

Dan replaced the hardworking George for the start of the second half and despite now playing into the wind the visitors were first to threaten when a corner had to be scrambled clear by Ross and then Charlie. Ben Mc and Matt twice had to make blocks before Ross made another instinctive save with his feet this time. As the Reds settled again Charlie found Dan in space who cleverly tried to lob the keeper but got just too much on the effort. The resulting goal kick went straight to Jack who set Max free but again the attempted lob was just too high. Max returned the compliment moments later when his header sent Jack in but the effort was blocked for a corner. Charlie swung in a beautiful cross right to the heart of the 6 yard box where Jack coolly steered the ball home for his and the teams second goal of the game with about 12 mins remaining. This settled the boys somewhat as the single goal lead never seemed enough against the tidy visiting team. Bromsgrove continued to attack and Ross was again called into action to palm away a dangerous cross. Ben N relieved the pressure with some good ball retention down the left and intelligent passing. Jack and Brad interchanged well but the keeper gathered the final cross. Yet again Ross collected a dangerous through ball, his handling was very assured throughout the match. After some midfield interchanges Bromsgrove broke clear in the dying minutes but stout defending by Ben Mc saw the ball cleared to safety to prevent a nervy last few minutes. As the game neared its conclusion birthday boy Nick strode forward and had a good shot just wide of the post. It was left to the other birthday boy Jack to take the plaudits with his 2 goals but there were notable performances also from Ross, Matt and Ben N. This was a well fought game with both teams endeavouring to play good football in the right spirit and more performances like this should see Bromsgrove rise up the table. Redditch continue to improve their results as they climb towards the higher reaches of the table.

Full Time Score: Redditch Utd 2 vs 0 Bromsgrove Blades.

Reds Goals/Scorers: 1st half: Jack – Contender for goal of the season as he collected Matt’s free kick on his chest before

  wrong footing the defender and coolly slotting the ball home around the keeper.

  2nd half: Jack – Close range header from a super Charlie corner kick.

Man of the Match: Jack – 2 expertly taken goals and energetic performance throughout.

ROSS

BEN Mc

HUDDY

NICK

MATT

BEN N

BRAD

SAM

MAX

CHARLIE

GEORGE