Match: Midland Junior Premier League Match 4 – Redditch Utd 0 vs 4 Gloucester City

Date: Saturday 4th October 2008

Report: (By Tim Delaney)

Another tremendously committed performance from the lads saw yet more improvements in all areas of the pitch and even caused one of the Gloucester officials to comment on the 'excellent shape' and 'mature defensive display' from the Redditch team, infact 'the best he had seen this season' some accolade at this level. The pitch was in fantastic condition for this match but the blustery conditions were not conducive to good football and with the wind at their backs Gloucester started the game strongly forcing the Redditch lads to dig deep and defend resolutely and the back line of Ben Mc, Huddy, Sam and Robbie, assisted by Ross in goal, were equal to Gloucester's attacks. The midfield four were also having to track back and cover to help out their team mates and Charlie, Nick, George and Shaley were battling hard to keep their visitors at bay. Redditch did manage to get out of their own half on occasions and this was due to neat, controlled passing football, not just long balls and when it happened it was a joy to watch with all parts of the team linking the play and moving the ball forward with the ever willing Max and Matt up front dropping deeper to receive the ball then moving it on with confidence. The lads had conceded early goals within the first 5 mins of each match so far this season and after an intensive training session on Wednesday the lads were set the task of not conceding for 10 mins, this they did admirably and kept the opposition out until the 15th minute, which considering the wind against them made the achievement even more commendable. Brad was introduced into the fray to give some fresh legs to the wide play and his pacy play down the right clearly unsettled the visitors. Gloucester however, assisted by the strong wind, managed to nick a 2nd goal before half time which was a little unfair on the lads but as the whistle blew and they came off at half time they were visibly pleased with their efforts and so were the management team at the progress made and in fact the Redditch lads had made Gloucester look distinctly average in their play at times during the first half.

Half Time Score:  Redditch Utd 0 vs 2 Gloucester City

With the wind now at their backs the Redditch lads were instructed to get the ball wide at every opportunity and look to play Max in up front, this they did from the start and it looked as though they could well get something out of this game but just as they were seeming to get a hold an unfortunate mistake saw Gloucester pinch a 3rd and knock the Reds confidence momentarily. The lads rallied as ever and again played decent football and the pressure was telling as they forced a couple of corners of their own which were somehow scrambled clear by often last ditch defending by the visiting defenders. Dan was getting some joy up front, linking well with Max who was running his socks off chasing every ball and like Dan closing down the opposition defenders and goal keeper at every opportunity. Brad was wreaking havoc down the right wing linking well with Ben Mc to counter at pace and when Gloucester did get through on occasion, superbly timed tackles and headed clearances by Robbie, Sam and Huddy ensured the scoreline remained the same with Ross mopping up any loose balls behind them. The Gloucester players were clearly getting frustrated at the Reds performance and players were beginning to get a little ratty, questioning referees decisions and flying in with rash challenges a clear sign they weren't having things all their own way. Charlie had worked tirelessly down the left flank with his foraging runs and was replaced by Ben N to give some fresh legs, this he did instantly and was in the thick of the action as the Reds forced the opposition defence back to defend on their own 18 yard line but the ball just would not fall for them, with Shaley and Nick driving forward to support the attacks and tackling hard to win the ball it looked increasingly likely the Reds would get that vital breakthrough but then disaster struck as a Gloucester break away caught the lads unawares and they scored a somewhat lucky 4th goal late on. The lads were shaken but not beaten and from the restart drove forward yet again but Huddy got injured making a brave challenge in the middle of the pitch and he had to be replaced. Max was also feeling the results of his efforts with tired legs and was replaced just before the end after earning his side yet another corner. Matt curled it wickedly into the box but again Gloucester cleared the dange,r albeit somewhat unconvincingly and shortly after the final whistle blew.

A fantastic effort from each and every player in a Red shirt and further evidence that they are adjusting to the higher level at which they now ply their trade – that illusive first result will follow in the near future, of that there is no doubt!!

Full Time Score:  Redditch Utd 0 vs 4 Gloucester City

Reds Goalscorers: 

Man of the Match: Brad – great wing play, no tricks or flicks just good old fashioned pace and drive.

ROSS

BEN Mc

ROBBIE

HUDDY

SAM

CHARLIE

NICK

GEORGE

MATT