Redditch United 0, Merthyr Town 1

REDDITCH will go into their final game of the season desperate for a win to bring an end to a dismal run that has seen them pick up just one victory in 18 games.

But they will have to improve on this performance against promotion-chasing Merthyr – a game that saw the Reds manage just two attempts on goal all game.

The visitors dominated the opening half but solid defending from central defenders Duane Courtney, Jodaan Brown and Jack Coates limited them to long-range chances.

Scott Barrow had a couple of free-kicks saved by United keeper Brad Catlow while Josh Bull and Elliot Richards were also denied by routine saves.

Redditch’s first shot came five minutes into the second half, Jordan Cullinane-Liburd steering a 20-yard effort into the arms of keeper Oliver Davies.

But normal service was soon resumed with substitute Ryan Prosser heading just wide of the United target.

The only goal came on 65 minutes and it was Merthyr skipper Ashley Evans who found the net, powering a 25-yard shot into the bottom left-hand corner as the Reds only half cleared their lines.

Bull looked set to double the lead moments later only to be denied by an excellent tackle from Coates.

Redditch almost snatched an unlikely equaliser four minutes from time when Khaellem Bailey-Nicholls directed a free-kick towards to top right-hand corner only for Davies to deny him with a fine full-length save.

The Reds complete their season at another promotion-chasing side on Saturday, Slough Town.

Reds: Catlow 6, COURTNEY 8, Cullinane-Liburd 6, Loveridge 6, Brown 7, Coates 7, Benjamin 5 (Bailey-Nicholls 68, 6), Jung 7, Keen 6, Angus 5, Hussain 5. Subs (not used): Campbell, Byfield.