Friday, May 18th, 2012
Match Report v Leamington
The game of the season so far saw the REDS take on the in form Leamington in front of a bumper Bank Holiday crowd of 523, with Redditch looking to bounce back from two straight league defeats, Phil Green was recalled to the starting line up playing behind a front 2 of Robinson and Blenkinsopp, with Leamington opting for a 4-4-2 formation.
The early stages of the game saw Leamington take control, with their dominance in the air, all over the pitch allowing them to take the game to the home side. The REDS were forced on the back foot, having to defend a barrage of set plays, but with Hickman and Miley standing strong in the heart of Redditch’s defence, no real clear cut chances were carved out.
Against the run of play it was the REDS and Blenkinsopp who were presented with a golden opportunity on 19 minutes, with Leamington’s back 4 caught square, Blenkinsopp found himself clean through with just the keeper to beat, but a poor first touch allowed the keeper to come out and smother the ball.
Then on 28 minutes the deadlock was broken in the most bizarre fashion, it was Husbands left footed in swinging corner that eluded Coleman and the defenders to find its way into the top corner of the net.
Second Half
The REDS came out the second half, playing at a much higher tempo, and opting for a shorter passing game as opposed to the more direct style of play they used in the first half.
With Warmer now getting on the ball, and dictating play it was as if someone had just turned the lights on. The visitors looked less comfortable, with Robinson and Blenkinsopp receiving better service, and Brown joining in from midfield.
On 68 minutes the REDS got their rewards, following a pinpoint corner from Green, it was the midfielder Howell who crept around the back to head the REDS level.
The closing stages saw the visitors press for the winner, but with some excellent defending all round, the REDS hung on for a well earned point.
Warmer, Jones and Howell all found themselves in the Referees book.
In what has been a decent start to the season with 8 points from the opening 6 games, the REDS must now look to their home game against Cirencester on Saturday, and to get back to winning ways.
