Friday, May 18th, 2012
Match Report v Bashley (Saturday 27th August)
Following the Tuesday night defeat at Banbury, the REDS made the long journey down to the South Coast to face a Bashley side who have conceded a hefty 9 goals in their first 4 league games of the season.
Quite a dull start to the game with both sides, just feeling each out in the early exchanges.
As the rain came down it was Bashley who settled into the game more effectively,with Stokoe and Green combining well in forward positions and Knowles controlling the centre of midfield.
The REDS were forced to defend a number of set plays as Bashley began to pour on the pressure.
On 14 minutes after conceding a free kick on Bashleys left wing, a quality cross into the REDS box was met by the big centre half Ross Lloyd who’s header was directed across Coleman, into the bottom corner of the net.
It was all Bashley, with good interchange of passing on the slick surface, they opened the REDS up at ease, with most of the attacking play being created down their left wing.
Then after 35 minutes yet another free kick this time on Bashleys right wing was delivered with pinpoint accuracy by Green, with Lloyd again rising the highest to put the game at 2-0.
Second Half
A sloppy start to the second half which saw Howell then Miley give the ball away in a dangerous area, but fortunately for the REDS, the wrong option was taken and no harm was done.
The turning point came in the 62 minute when Warmer and Harris replaced O Grady and Moses Garvey, with the REDS now opting for a 4 3 3 formation.
With Warmer now demanding the ball, and Harris a physical presence up front, the game was turned on its head. Bashley s back 4 were showing there defensive frailties, and were struggling to cope with the front 3 of Redditch.
After good play, Harris was sent through, but his first touch let him down giving Elm the chance to come out and block with his legs.
On 75 minutes more good passing from the REDS led to Blenkinsopp going through, in the inside left position, keeping his nerve he finished expertly to put the REDS back into the game.
It was all Redditch, after 88 minutes following a short corner Adams cross was deflected to Robinson whos header was parried onto the bar by Elm.
On 90 minutes Joe Adams went into the referee’s book for a rash challenge.
With virtually the last kick of the game Robinsons shot was pushed out by the keeper only for Blenkinsopps outstretched leg to divert the ball wide of the goal.
It was shear relief for Bashley as the Referee blew the final whistle, with Leamington the visitors to the Valley in 2 days time, the REDS will be looking to getting back to winning ways.
