Redditch Utd 1, Dunstable Town 0

A solitary Danico Johnson strike was enough to hand Redditch victory in a game short on both quality and chances until the final stages.

The goal came on 73 minutes when Reece Hewitt’s ball forward picked out the striker’s run and the powerful Johnson held off two defenders before pacing his shot past keeper Jack Smith.

Moments later Pauly Apostocopoulos had an effort blocked by the Smith’s legs and injury time saw the Reds squander another great chance when, following good work from Johnson, Loveridge lost his footing just as he was about to skip past the fortunate keeper.

The Reds had dominated the first half possession without ever really going close to finding the net.

The only effort of note came in the eighth minute when the ball was worked to Apostocopoulos but his low shot lacked the power to really trouble the keeper.

Johnson and Liam Spink were off target with efforts while a Nat Kelly cross was deflected behind for a corner.

The quality improved slightly after the break with Danny Green and Alex Cathline pinging shots over the Redditch target before Spink miscued an effort wide at the other end after some impressive approach work from the excellent Johnson and Eli Bako.

And it was fitting that it was Johnson who netted what was to be the match-winner, the striker’s strength allowing him time to place his shot beyond the reach of keeper Smith.

Reds: Catlow 6, Jones 6, Kelly 6, Loveridge 7, McDonald 7, Courtney 6, Spinkk 6, Apostocopoulos 6, JOHNSON 8, Bako 6, Hewitt 7 (Brown 87). Subs (not used): Thompson, Young, McDermott, Roberts.