Redditch United 1, Kettering Town 3

BRADLEY Catlow’s heroics proved in vain as Redditch United found themselves on a sticky wicket against Kettering at the Oval.

Despite Jordan Jones’s 15th-minute opener, the Poppies looked imperious after the half-hour mark onwards with Callum Westwood and brace from substitute Spencer Weir-Daley inflicting a 3-1 defeat on Darren Byfield’s men in a match played at Bedworth United.

Following a tepid start, Reds moved in front when Reece Hales was released down the left and after his low centre had evaded three Kettering defenders, Jones guided a composed finish back across Paul Walker.

But the visitors steadily settled and United were grateful to Catlow who gathered at the feet of James Brighton and then produced a pair of fine reaction saves.

The stopper palmed a first-time hit from Ben Stephens round his left post before parrying wide a fierce low drive from experienced Poppies frontman Rene Howe as half-time approached.

Catlow was soon at it again after the interval with a double block at the feet of Weir-Daley and Nathan Hicks.

Redditch livewire Danico Johnson turned Gary Milligan and stung Walker’s palms on the break but Kettering’s pressure ultimately told when Howe’s shot on the turn was scrambled away by Catlow only for Westwood to fire home rebound.

United’s backline looked increasingly ragged with every wave of pressure and an errant pass from substitute Max Loveridge made its way to Weir-Daley to stroke beyond the outstretched Catlow with 17 minutes to play.

The Poppies continued to dominate and the game was up when Brighton’s teasing cross from the touchline was guided home by the head of Weir-Daley with five minutes to go.

Reds: Catlow 9, Jones 7, Roberts 6, Kelly 6, Courtney 6, Young 6, Hewitt 6 (Loveridge, 51), Bako 6, Luckie 7 (Cowley, 67), Johnson 7, Hales 7.

Referee: John Roskelly.

Attendance: 212.