Redditch United 6, Chippenham Town 2

RAMPANT Redditch romped to their third straight victory to stake their claim for a home tie in the play-off semi-finals.

Ben Whitehead had handed the visitors the perfect start but the home side bounced back with three goals in each half to wrap up the win before dangerman Whitehead netted again late on.

There were just six minutes on the clock when the Chippenham striker drilled an effort past Reds keeper Jose Veiga from just inside the area following some hesitant United defending.

But this was cancelled out in the 20th minute when Ashley Sammons wrong-footed his marker and then steered his shot beyond visiting keeper Kent Kaupinnen.

Moments later Simeon Maye was denied by two excellent blocks in front of goal but the Reds did take the lead on 34 minutes when Jim Mutton cleverly squeezed a shot in at the near post from a Sammons corner.

The Redditch skipper was again the provider as his side netted a third in injury time, this time whipping in a free-kick which Will Richards headed home unchallenged.

A brilliant reflex save from Kaupinnen denied Richards on the hour but the home side soon extended their lead when, on 69 minutes, Maye sent Sam Merson in on goal and the striker gave the keeper no chance with his powerful finish.

Two goals in five minutes wrapped up the scoring for United taking them up to second in the table.

Robbie Thompson-Brown let fly with the fifth on 77 minutes following good work from substitute Jason Cowley with Merson then netting his second of the game with a fine low drive.

The visitors struck a deserved second two minutes from time when Whitehead beat the offside trap and rounded the keeper and slotted into the empty net.

Reds: Veiga 6, Young 7, Flanagan 8, Maye 8, Mutton 6, Richards 8, Thompson-Brown 6, Bako 7 (Cowley 72), Merson 7, SAMMONS 9, Hallahan (Fletcher 16, 6). Subs (not used): Johnson, Luckie, Moreton.