Redditch Utd 2, Kings Lynn Town 0

Any hangovers Redditch had following on from last week’s FA Cup exit at the hands of minnows Hinckley were soon forgotten thanks to this workmanlike dismissal of Kings Lynn.

A goal in each half accounted for the visitors who rarely threatened debutant Reds keeper Jose Veiga – although he did pull off one outstanding save deep in the second half.

There had been little in the way of chances until United opened the scoring on 28 minutes. Jamey Osborne, once again excellent in midfield, split the Linnets defence with an inch-perfect pass and Jamie Ashmore nipped in to prod the ball past advancing keeper Alex Street.

Both sides huffed and puffed for the remainder of the half but the closest anyone went to adding to the scoreline was a header from George Carline that had power but not accuracy.

But that all changed after the break, particularly after a second Redditch goal forced Kings Lynn out of their shells.

It was Luke Shearer who doubled the advantage in 52 minutes, taking the ball across the edge of the area before finding enough room to guide his shot just inside the post.

Liam Hurst finally chalked up an effort for the visitors on the hour with a shot that few wide before Michael Clunan just missed with an audacious 40-yard effort after spotting Veiga off his line.

And then, midway through the half, the Reds had a glorious opportunity to finish things off. Ashmore was brought down by Street but the keeper made amends by saving well from Danny Dubidat’s penalty.

Veiga’s heroics came on 73 minutes, a fine reflex save to keep out Ryan Fryatt’s header, while United substitute Jamie Molyneux should have done better late on with an effort steered straight at the Linnets keeper from close range.

Redditch: Veiga 7, Haynes 7, Flanagan 8, Loveridge 6 (Westbrook 56, 5), Mutton 6, Richards 7, Ashmore 6, OSBORNE 9, Dubidat 6 (Molyneux 82), Carline 8, Shearer 6 (Bunn 88). Subs not used: Bridgewater, Moreton.