Redditch United 2, Weymouth 1

SIMEON Cobourne endeared himself to the Valley Stadium faithful by netting the goal that turned Redditch’s clash with Weymouth on its head.

The diminutive frontrunner converted Jordan Jones’s teasing right-wing cross with 11 minutes to play to level a match Reds had been largely second best in.

And within two minutes of getting back on terms, strike partner Danico Johnson fired in from 18 yards to swing the pendulum in United’s favour.

After a tepid start, Weymouth led courtesy of their first attack as Chris Shephard roared down the wing and although he was thwarted by Brad Catlow, Stewart Yetton converted the rebound.

The Terras continued to torture Reds down the channels with Ben Thomson hitting the post from Jordan Copp’s centre and Shephard and Charlie Davis going close.

Clayton McDonald almost levelled with United’s only effort of note on the stroke of half-time, lofting a free-kick from the halfway line towards goal but it was just off target with visiting keeper Jason Matthews floored.

The half ended on a sour note for Reds as midfielder Reece Hales left the pitch on a stretcher and later departed on crutches.

Mark Cooper wasted a golden chance for Weymouth, lashing over from eight yards but after switching to a back four United steadied the ship and enjoyed better possession.

As the gaps emerged, Max Loveridge shrugged off a knock to release Jones for his assist and then the rattled visitors succumbed to a somewhat inevitable second when David McDermott, subjected to his fair share of cynical challenges, released Johnson for the winner.

Redditch: Catlow 6, Jones 6, Kelly 5 (Cobourne, 52, 7), Courtney 7 (Brown, 71), McDonald 6, Cullinane-Liburd 5, Apostolopoulos 5, Loveridge 6, JOHNSON 7*, McDermott 7, Hales 6 (Spink 45+3). Unused subs: Ali, Young.