Redditch United 0 Cirencester Town 1

THE SENSE of frustration and exasperation around the Valley Stadium was palpable after an opening-day defeat to Cirencester.

None more so than in the post-match huddle, with Redditch manager Liam McDonald’s finger-pointing and ten-minute debrief clearly highlighting a few home truths to his players.

For the opening 45 minutes, the Reds had been the better side, missed a penalty when George Carline’s tentative spot-kick was easily saved, and wasted a couple of other promising opportunities as they pulled and probed the Cirencester defence.

But, for some reason, they failed to maintain the momentum after the break and Zack Kotwica’s ice-cool finish provided a 73rd-minute winner for a Cirencester side who grew stronger and stronger.

Clearly, McDonald is having to rebuild the side after last season’s excellent sixth place, with five new faces starting on Saturday.

Will Richards was man of the match with some timely interceptions and positive distribution at centre-half. Jamey Osborne, playing at the point of midfield diamond, provided the creative impetus in place of the departed Ashley Sammons, while Jordan Archer and Troy Baker hinted at their positive attacking play with some teasing runs.

It was Osborne’s willingness to take on defenders that won the penalty on 18 minutes, with James Mortimer-Jones chopping him to the ground but Carline’s side-footed penalty lacked the power to beat keeper Glyn Garner, who dived to his right to gather easily.

Osborne sent two 20-yarders just wide and Richards headed over the bar when finding room to connect with two Osborne corners.

But in truth they never tested Garner and in the second half seemed to run out of ideas.

Instead Kotwica, on loan from Cheltenham, provided the classy finish to claim the points midway through the second period. Sub Ross Langworthy split the defence with a simple pass just outside the area and Kotwica, in the inside left channel, took a touch and then guided his shot beyond the advancing keeper Raajan Gill.

Cirencester looked the more likely to score again, with Kotwica missing a clear header but the Reds were left with plenty to ponder.

REDDITCH (4-4-2): Gill 6; Ashmore 5, Mutton 6, Richards 8, Flanagan 6; Bunn 5 (Spink, 86); Baker 5, Carline 4; Osborne 6; Archer 5, Molyneux 6 (Shearer 63, 6). Subs: Liburd, Bell, Moreton (gk).