MANAGER Darren Byfield was sacked seconds after watching Redditch United claw back a two-goal deficit against St Neots Town, writes Ben Tyler. 

A lively start from the Saints saw them lead within three minutes when Stefan Broccoli rolled the ball past the advancing Ethan Ross. 

United picked up without convincing in the final third and the visitors doubled their lead in the 18th minute when Tom Wood was left free at the near post to glance in Johnny Herd’s corner. 

Byfield’s men rarely threatened throughout but Ashley Sammons went close after the break with a curling effort towards the bottom-right corner that was pushed away by St Neots stopper Mike Emery.

The introductions of Spencer Weir-Daley and debutant Bradley Maslen-Jones proved crucial with Weir-Daley’s ball teeing up Sammons to slot home to bring Redditch back into it with eight minutes remaining. 

A last-gasp corner saw Maslen-Jones hit the bar from the initial whipped delivery and Weir-Daley volleyed in on the turn in stoppage time to dramatically earn the Reds a deserved point.

However, it was not enough to save Byfield on the back of a run of one win in 10 league matches. 

A club statement read: “Despite early season optimism, both domestic and cup results have fallen below the club’s expectations and ambitions and the board believes that a change in leadership is necessary to fulfil its ambition of challenging for promotion this season.”

Chairman Chris Swan said: “On behalf of the Redditch United board, I would like to place on record my thanks to Darren for his tremendous hard work and commitment during his time with the club.

“He has made a valuable contribution and I wish him the best of luck for the future.”

Reds: Ross 6, Wright 6, Fox 7, Jackman 6 (Hawker, 67, 6), Brown 6, Pendley 6, Apostolopolos 6 (Maslen-Jones, h-t, 7), Montero 6, Angus 7, SAMMONS 8*, Dunkley 6 (Weir-Daley, 61, 7). Unused subs: Hussain, Rosser.