Friday, May 18th, 2012
With the new management team of Mark Fenemore and Graham Hyde in place, the REDS made their way down to Hertfordshire looking for their first win in five games. Both sides were looking to improve on their starts to the season, which has left them in mid table.
Both teams lined up in 4-4-2 formations, with the REDS recalling Tom Warmer, Brad Bullimore, Aaron Moses Garvey, Cameron Jones, and Joe Harris into the starting 11.
It was a disastrous start for the visitors, who fell behind in the first minute.
Following a free kick from St Albans left, it was the experienced Furlong who cleverly backed into Robinson to chest down to Hart who rifled in his shot from 25 yards.
This stunned the REDS into action, who then settled down and had the more controlled possession in the first half.
After winning a number of free kicks and corners, the best chance came from a Milligan corner, with Harris unmarked at the far post he was unable to direct his header goal-wards.
Good combination play again between Harris and Moses Garvey saw the latter fouled just outside the box, the resulting free kick was curled just the wrong side of the post, from the skipper Warmer.
With the REDS having more possession, it was the home side who showed they were a threat on the counter attack with good pace and movement in forward areas.
2nd Half.
A disappointing performance from the REDS in the second half saw St Albans create a number of chances to extend their lead. Unable to hold the ball upfront for any length of time meant the REDS were forced to defend far too often.
Substituted Mackenzie surrendered possession, which left the visitors exposed to the counter attack, with Hickman unable to stop the cross from the left wing it was Walker who arrived on 61 minutes to side foot home, doubling the home-side’s lead.
The last 10 minutes saw the REDS throw everything at the home-side with Jones and Bullimore developing a good understanding down the right hand side, and the late substituted Osbourne looking bright in and around the penalty area.
Unfortunately it wasn’t to be, with good play up to the final third it was a lack of movement and penetration that let Redditch down.
