Feckenham 1 - 4 Redditch Borough (Les James Challenge Cup)

Match report by Phil Tattersall

A DOUBLE from Billy Garvey ensured local rivals Redditch Borough travelled back the happier of the two sides as they progressed to the semi-final of the Les James Challenge Cup, after a 4-1 win over Feckenham at the Entaco.

Aaron Blackwood's men were left to rue missed chances as an open game saw an in-form Borough side ruthless in the final third.

The home side started the livelier of the two, as the ever-present Jack Brimmell hooked the ball back into the area, leaving Murphy with the game's first clear effort on goal which was well held by the visiting keeper.

An injury to centre-back Jordan Adams on 12 minutes seemed to scupper The Millers' game plan as they were forced into an early change and defensive reshuffle.

Moments later, Borough began to mount some sustained pressure through their direct approach, causing the reshuffled Feckenham rearguard problems.

The Reds' midfielder cut in from the left before striking an effort from 25-yards which was well saved by Goddard, who was able to tip it up and over his crossbar.

Midway through the half a Feckenham counter should of really saw them break the deadlock, as good interplay between Tibbins and Brimmell found Faulkner, whose delightful cross was headed well over by youngster George Tolley when it seemed easier to score.

However, against the run of play Redditch found themselves in front from a set piece as a well weighted cross was headed beyond Goddard and into an empty net.

Feckenham went in search for the elusive equaliser and came close through Cox and Brimmell whilst Danny Murphy forced a good save from the Borough goalkeeper who managed to tip an effort from just outside the box over his cross bar and out for a corner.

On the stroke of half time, a well worked corner saw Borough double there lead; a succession of headers, which the Millers' management duo wouldn't have been best pleased with, was eventually bundled over the line - so that Redditch entered the break 2-0 to the good.

Borough sealed the victory with two goals in the second half, but again it was a half in which Feckenham were left to rue missed chances.

Jack Brimmell saw a low drive go inches wide whilst Ben Cox had an effort well saved and was unable to readjust himself for the follow up where he seemed destined to reduce the arrears.

Danny Murphy continued to be at the heart of the Millers' positive moves and he saw his effort cannon off the post and safely into the arms of the Borough keeper.

But it was Redditch who gave Feckenham a lesson in finishing - as two quick fire goals settled the fixture.

A well weighted ball played through the Feckenham rearguard left the forward one-on-one and he dispatched well past Goddard, whilst the fourth saw Borough expose The Millers on the counter, with Nokes out of position a lofted ball down the right channel was picked up by a Borough forward who composed himself and dispatched well.

Danny Murphy got a well deserved goal for his efforts, as a swift Feckenham counter attack was finished with a strike hit with some venom by the midfielder to bring his total to five goals in 12 games.

Feckenham assistant manager, Tom Davies, said: "Were obviously bitterly disappointed in the end result and the overall performance.

"We know as a group that we can perform much better than that and everyone came into the changing rooms gutted knowing the result was there for us but unfortunately we didn't go out and take it.

"Moving onto next week and again we see ourselves against Redditch Borough and personally I'm looking forward to another good derby style game but this time with us coming out the better end of the spoils."

Feckenham : Goddard, Firkin, Adams (12 Penlington), Edwards, Faulkner, Nokes (80 Wilson), Murphy, Tibbins, Brimmell, Tolley (75 Langston), Cox. Subs not used: Blackwood, Harris (GK).

MOTM: Jamie Firkin Att: 52