Kidderminster Harriers 2 Redditch VC 5

REDDITCH VC emphasised their title credentials on Sunday with a comprehensive demolition of the title-favourites - a side they had never beaten in the league before.

The victory was a tactical masterstroke for manager Tony Taylor whose diamond midfield drew the best out of Mate Saint and Jenny Lawrence in the middle and made light of the absence of three regulars - including goalkeeper Nicky Metje.

Striker Jenna Dedicoat set the ball rolling with a wonder goal in the 13th minute after streaking into the area, rounding a defender, the keeper and finishing. Harriers replied with a 15th minute equaliser allowed to stand despite an offside infringement spotted by the linesman in the build-up.

But VC were back in front in the 57th minute after a rasping shot from central defender Jenny Ward on the edge of the box and in the 70th minute Dedicoat pounced again with a lethal finish after Rachel Baldwin saved her initial effort. Dedicoat completed her hat-trick with an angled drive six minutes later before Dani Morris charged into the box and her shot was helped into the net by unfortunate VC sub Ellen Branagh.

Nat Lawrence completed the rout by firing into the roof from a grounded position seven minutes from time. VC return to action at home to Pershore a week on Sunday.