Match: Open Cup Round 2 – Marston Green 0 vs 0 Redditch United aet - Marston Green won 4 vs 2 on penalties

Date: Sunday 4th November 2007

Report: (By Kevin McGarry)

Neither side could muster a goal in this keenly fought match at Marston Green, which unfortunately came down to a penalty shoot-out after extra time. Matt, George and Jack started on the bench as the Reds 4-3-3 line-up started on the attack from the first whistle. Ben N and Charlie created the first move of note down the left, which was finally cleared. It was almost 5 minutes into the game before the ball entered the Redditch half and Ben Mc was well positioned to clear a long punt forward from the home side. Rob made one of a number of runs from defence, almost creating a chance for Max. Nick and Brad were next to combine well to set up Max whose shot was diverted for a corner by the keeper. Reds were well on top and Dan, Ben N and Charlie all had efforts blocked or saved. Sam took control of central midfield as the half wore on and almost set Brad through with a clever through ball. Rob was repeatedly coming forward to launch his long throws and the best of these saw Sam head just wide. A great left wing run from Charlie ended with a cross just eluding Max and being claimed by the keeper. Sam and then Dan again had efforts from distance before Max cleverly returned a weak goal kick back towards goal, catching the keeper out of position, but it drifted just wide. On 21 minutes Marston Green finally had a shot of their own, which was well gathered by Ross. Huddy was proving unbeatable down the right wing and the whole Reds defence were dominating their attacking counterparts. Nick was constantly breaking forward and a good ball to Brad saw him beat his defender before setting up Sam for a shot, which was well blocked. Dan followed up well only to have his effort also foiled, as the half dominated by the Reds finished goalless.

Half Time Score: Marston Green 0 vs 0 Redditch Utd

Jack and George replaced Dan and Ben N for the second half but it was the home side who started brightly, and following a scramble in the Reds box first Rob and then Jack were called upon to made good defensive headers. Marston forced a corner, which Rob again headed clear but a good follow up shot just cleared Ross’s crossbar. The home side were certainly on top row playing down the slope and forced 3 corners in quick succession. The defenders were marking manfully and ensured Ross had no shots to save, Jack in particular making one excellent clearance. Huddy and George interchanged well down the left as the Reds tried to get a foothold back in the game. Matt replaced Ben Mc with 10 minutes remaining and was immediately called to duty to clear well when left exposed against 2 onrushing strikers. Nick, Rob and George all made good blocks and clearances as the home side continued to have more of the play. From an excellent through ball from Rob, Charlie’s effort was well cleared and then Jack played in Max only to be thwarted by quick reactions from the keeper. Nick had a speculative long range effort dip just wide and Redditch entered the final 5 minutes of the game on top and looking for the win. Sam played a lovely through ball to Brad but needed treatment for a blow to the face. Matt headed clear a dangerous high cross before George did well to get back and concede a corner when a dangerous cross seemed inevitable. In the final moments Sam took a good free kick, which fell to Max in the box, but his sharp effort cleared the crossbar. Ross calmly collected a couple of high crosses to ensure the game went to extra time.

Full Time Score: Marston Green 0 vs 0 Redditch Utd

The boys began extra time well, now playing back down the slope and Huddy, Brad and Jack combined well, eventually setting up Nick for a cross, which was diverted for a corner. Sam headed the resultant cross from Jack just wide and Nick did likewise moments later. Charlie also had an effort just wide before Sam battled well to force yet another corner. Ross again assured claiming a couple of high crosses. The final attack of the match saw Max caught just offside as penalties loomed.

After Extra Time Score : Marston Green 0 vs 0 Redditch Utd

After Penalty Shoot Out Score: Marston Green 4 vs 2 Redditch Utd

Man of the Match: Ross – assured handling and kicking throughout, second consecutive clean sheet & good penalty save.

Formation:  4 - 3 - 3

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

Substitutes:  MATT, GEORGE, JACK