Redditch Mens Firsts are now on the brink of securing promotion back to the MRHA West Midlands Premier after securing a 5-1 win at home to Stafford on Saturday.
Going into the away game at Old Silhillians, The Kingfishers will know that a win will guarantee promotion with three games still to play, whilst a draw should also see them up due to their vastly superior goal difference over third placed Droitwich.
But against Stafford on Saturday, Redditch faced a real battle, Stafford in with a shout of taking home the spoils until mid way through the first half.
The Kingfishers very nearly made an immediate impact within the first 30 seconds, Antony Brookes putting an effort wide after Redditch made a quick start.
Brookes put another effort wide in the ninth minute after Richard Sellors played him on nicely, while Pete Dawson and Dave Smith carved out another opportunity in the 11th minute.
But the pressure paid off a minute later, Dave Smith and Brookes combining well for Sellors to put Redditch ahead at the far post.
Chris Thomas then had a great chance to extend the lead in the 14th minute, collecting a brilliant up field pass from Dawson, taking the ball around the goalkeeper on the edge of the D only to shoot narrowly wide.
The visitors weren’t out of it though, and forced a save from Redditch keeper Scott Paul in the 24th minute.
The game was nicely poised at half time, even more so when Stafford equalised five minutes after the break from a penalty flick.
And that seemed to be a needed boost for Stafford started to play better hockey with some flowing moves creating trouble for the Redditch defence.
The Reds weathered the storm though and moved ahead once more in the 51st minute.
Steve Cook was fouled outside the D and Redditch were awarded a penalty corner. Andy Brooks’ shot was deflected to Sellors, the ball falling beautifully for Cook on the right to fire home from close range.
Six minutes later Redditch had a penalty flick of their own after Cook was fouled in the D, Brooks standing up to put Redditch 3-1 ahead.
And when Redditch scored again in the 63rd minute it was as good as game over, Cook slamming home from a penalty corner.
Then with three minutes remaining, Redditch made a break through Cook who rounded the keeper before passing to Sellors who grabbed his second of the game to wrap up proceedings.
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