Match: Midland Junior Premier League Match 8 – Wednesfield 2 vs 0 Redditch Utd

Date: Saturday 22nd November 2008

Report: (By Kev McGarry)

The Reds were unfortunate to slip to a narrow defeat at Wednesfield following a whole hearted match played in difficult conditions on the first team ground in the Black Country.

The boys had a full complement available and newcomer Anthony, Ben Mc, Shaley and Matt began as substitutes as Redditch looked to follow up their first league win following a 3 week break from action. The hosts began the stronger playing with a strong wind behind them but were regularly being caught offside by the disciplined Reds defence of Max, Huddy, Sam and Robbie. The first real chances did fall to Wednesdfield but Ross twice saved smartly and Sam made a telling clearance. Huddy took a knock and was replaced by Ben with Max moving to an unfamiliar centre back role, but twice his great speed enabled last ditch tackles to prevent certain goal scoring opportunities. It was not all one way traffic however and the boys began to see more of the ball. Nick and Brad combined well to release George who was marginally offside. A long through ball caught the boys unaware and a striker reacted quickest to steal a yard and finish well for the opening goal to the hosts on 12mins. Matt replaced Ben N and linked play well with Dan and Charlie whose pass saw Nick maraude through only to be blocked in the penalty area. Max again made a great defensive tackle and a quick Reds break saw Charlie have a good effort blocked. The game was now very even with both sides trying to play good football. A clearance from Redditch hit the hands of an onrushing striker but surprisingly the referee waved play on and the striker doubled Wednesfield’s lead shortly before the break. As the Reds pressed with more intent following the injustice, Sam had an effort from a corner blocked by a defenders arm and a penalty was awarded. Max took the kick with plenty of power but the keeper dived superbly to somehow tip the ball over the bar as the half came to a close.

Half Time Score:  Wednesfield 2 vs 0 Redditch Utd

Matt was heavily involved as the Reds pushed on, firstly firing just over the bar and then finishing excellently but unfortunately from an offside position. Ant replaced the excellent Ross and shortly made a superb save when a Wednesfield striker broke clean though the defensive line. Shaley, Brad and Nick continued to probe and Dan bolstered the midfield replacing Charlie who picked up a back injury. The Reds were still very much in the match but chances were at a premium for both teams as the midfield battle intensified. Ant did well to force a Wednesfield striker wide of the goal but having attempted to clear the ball, the striker theatrically fell to the ground to win a penalty. Following a retake for encroachment the ball went to safety off the right hand post. This would have been harsh on the boys who might have sneaked a point on another day but were certainly not outplayed after a slow start. The defence in particular were extremely disciplined correctly gaining many offside decisions to thwart the home side

Full Time Score:  Wednesfield 2 vs 0 Redditch Utd

Reds Goalscorers: 

Man of the Match:  Ross – assured all round display and good saves

ROSS

MAX

ROBBIE

SAM

HUDDY

DAN

GEORGE

NICK

CHARLIE

BRAD

BEN N