REDS RECAP | Redditch United 1-0 Bromsgrove Sporting

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Report written by Jack Underwood.

Redditch United struck late on to earn an important three points against dearest rivals Bromsgrove Sporting. The Reds were in control for most of the match, and it was former Rouslers man Ryan Boothe who sealed the victory in the 90+7^th minute.

There were multiple changes in the squad as Kieran Brown, Ben Lomax and Cyrus Babaie were handed their debuts in the starting XI, whilst Musa Ceesay was also named in the line-up after returning from Halesowen Town.

There was a minute’s applause before the game to commemorate the lives of Tom Rankin and Lee Russon.

The first chance fell the Reds’ way as Joel Shambrook put a cross into the box which evaded both Babaie and Charlie Price, forcing Aaron Roberts to clear the danger.

Shambrook then delivered another back-post cross, which was met well by the head of Brown, but straight into the arms of Price.

Bromsgrove had their first chance when a cross was floated in from deep, evading Ollie Taylor on the way and almost falling into the top corner, but it was just over the bar.

Taylor was then forced into action again as he denied Theo Robinson from close range.

The sides entered the break all square, with Redditch being more dominant in the first half.

In the 53^rd minute, Bromsgrove had the ball in the back of the net, but the referee pulled back for a foul after Kyle Rowley went down holding his head.

Sporting had the chance to take the lead again as former Reds man Billy Shaw was played in, but Taylor once again produced a good close save.

Redditch started to pile on the pressure late into the game, as Jack Kelly and Babaie attacked Lomax’s cross, but headed wide.

A minute later, substitute Josh Esen played in behind Babaie, who broke away from Ash Carter and forced Price into a save.

Matt Clarke brought on some fresh legs in the 90^th minute as George Burroughs and Ryan Boothe came on to replace Musa Ceesay and Babaie.

In the 90+7^th minute, Esen whipped in a good cross which met the head of Boothe straight into the bottom corner to win the match. The Valley erupted with cheers, as Matt Clarke and all his coaching staff ran onto the pitch to celebrate with the players as they secured their 6th consecutive win over their rivals.

Redditch United XI: Taylor; Shambrook, Lomax, Rowley (C), Dudley-Toole, Brown; Teixeira, Ceesay, Owen; Babaie, Dwyer.

Subs: Kelly (74’), Esen (83’), Mardenborough, Burroughs (90’), Boothe (90’).