Today we welcomed this seasons division 5 champions, Redditch Borough, who are still unbeaten having won 11 and drawn 2 of their 13 games so far.
A tough task ahead but 1 more point for the Reds means they cannot be overtaken in 2nd spot and a second-successive promotion is on the cards.
A great start from Hampton with an early corner, which was flicked on by Omar and then flicked into the top corner by our marksman Rushy, 1-0!
Quick-fire response from Redditch though and they caused some confusion in our area, with the ball not cleared and bouncing favourably for the Redditch attacker to smash home, 1-1.
Hampton’s heads dropped at that point, panic seemed to be setting in and we weren’t playing our usual game anymore. It’s like the pressure of needing a result was haunting the boys and the basics had gone. A long free kick for Redditch evaded the midfield and caused a mix-up in defence, leaving the striker in position to slot home, 1-2. Unfortunately we lost Josh M at this point as he had a clash and had to go off to A&E. Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious!
We really needed to get the boys in for half time at this point as heads had dropped and Redditch were threatening to overpower us, and thankfully we managed to do that with no further damage.
Half-time, 1-2.
Words were said at half time, as I felt the boys weren’t giving a good showing, and Redditch looked in total control. We needed to get back to basics, and definitely not lose the fight.
The second half started a little shakey again, but it was Hampton who would find the breakthrough first, when some good work on the right from Rushy, found Josh P who got himself between the defender and the ball and was brought down for a penalty!
Rushy confidently stepped up and slotted past the keeper. 2-2.
From this point the game was pretty scrappy, with Redditch having the luxury of not actually needing any more points, but still fighting for that unbeaten record, and Hampton needing to fight through the pain barrier of a physically demanding game.
Harrison twice coming to the rescue with palmed saves and good response to gather the ball at the second attempts.
Omar, Fin and Rushy trying to break forward but Redditch back line holding strong.
Then came a big chance, Rayyan battling his way into the box and brought down, penalty number 2!
Oscar decided to step up for this one, and despite a decent effort into the bottom left corner the big keeper got down well to tip it round the post.
Honestly, the body language from the team at that point looked like we’d just lost a cup final. I swear they forgot they had a corner!
With the game stretched and players flagging in the warm sun, Redditch threatened to take all 3 points but a great save and then recovery of the ball from our number 1 kept them out again. A last ditch attack from Hampton where I thought Rushy would be in, but the pass was intercepted.
In the end, a hard-fought but fair result and one the lads should be proud of, as this is the first point we’ve taken off Redditch in 4 attempts!
Harrison, JP, Rayyan all having outstanding games today as well as Rushy who takes his tally to 25 for the season.
However MOTM went to a player I thought had his best game at right back today, clearing his lines and brave in the tackle and some good headers, Callan! Well done mate.
So where does it leave us in the league? 2nd for sure, but whether that’s joint-second will depend on next Sundays results.
Either way, I’m very proud of the lads efforts this season, they have been terrific and whatever the result next week, our final game of the season will be a celebration for sure!
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