REDDITCH Men were edged out by title-chasing Aldridge and Walsall in the West Midlands Premier Division on Saturday.

The Kingfishers were in good spirits after getting the better of Wednesbury last week and although not expected to win, were keen to give a good account of themselves.

A determined start to the game by Redditch meant the visitors soon realised it wouldn’t be plain sailing. The pace of the home team on the break, and the refusal to let the visitors settle on the ball gave them more than their fair share of the first half spoils and the hosts were unlucky not to take a lead into the half-time break having created the better chances.

But Aldridge were much brighter in the second period and soon took the lead with some good build-up play.

Redditch’s discipline let them down and at one point they were reduced to nine, with two players sin binned.

Aldridge looked to have the game wrapped up when they scored their second but the spirit of the home team never faltered and they were soon back in the contest when Steve Cook drilled in a shot from a penalty corner.

The visitors sat back and Redditch piled the pressue on until the final whistle, with Jacob Beard almost slotting in an equaliser.

However, the visitors held on to take a narrow 2-1 victory.

Their next game isn’t until Saturday, January 17 at home to West Bromwich.

Redditch head into the mid-season break fourth from bottom with four wins from 11 games.

They have also lost the last five matches in the league after making a strong start.