Redditch Utd v AFC Telford - LIVE (From Redditch Advertiser)

Redditch Utd v AFC Telford - LIVE

7:35pm Tuesday 15th December 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

Reds boss Gary Whild included striker Luke Barlone in his starting line-up for the visit of old foes Telford.

The young forward, back at the Valley Stadium following a two-year stint at Atherstone Town, partnered Matt Blair in attack while skipper Asa Charlton faced up against one of his former clubs.

Redditch made a good start and went close inside two minutes when Jamie Sheldon steered a pass towards Matt Blair only for Telford defender Shane Killock to cut it out with a header that almost crept past keeper Ryan Young.

But two minutes later and the Reds were ahead. Andy Ducros found space on the left and his cross picked out Jack Byrne who thundered his shot into the roof of the net from 25 yards.

Ducros had a header sail over the Telford target on 14 minutes before the visitors created their first chance of the game, a Sean Evans corner that was blocked on the line.

The home side continued to create the better of the chances though with Liam Murray sending an overhead kick just wide of the target midway through the half before Charlton forced the keeper into a good low save two minutes later.

With 29 minutes gone, an excellent pass from Murray sent Barlone in behind the defence but although his shot beat Young, Gavin Cowan was on hand to clear off the line.

From the resulting corner, Byrne fired in an effort from the edge of the area but the Telford keeper saved well.

But it was only a matter of time before the Reds extended their lead and their continued pressure paid off on 34 minutes when Barlone turned a Ducros free-kick goalwards and when Young failed to hold the shot, Liam Francis was on hand to slot home the rebound.

The remainder of the half saw Telford struggle to force home keeper Danny Lewis into action while the Reds were content to protect their two-goal cushion.

H-T Reds 2-0 Telford

Barlone had a chance early in the second half to extend the lead but he fired his shot straight at keeper Price.

But it was 3-0 on the hour when Matt Blair jinked his way into the area before working the ball to Ducros who swept it home from two yards.

Five minutes later and Blair was sent clear only to be denied by an excellent Price save.

It was all Redditch now and Byrne was twice denied in the space of four minutes as the home side looked to turn the screw.

His first effort was met by a good low save but the second was brilliantly turned onto the crossbar by Price as the Telford keeper continued to deny the Reds.

The final minute saw a last gasp consolation for the visitors when Steve Thompson’s left-wing cross was headed home at the far post by Andy Brown.

Reds: Lewis 7, Gill 7, Charlton 7, Clarke 7 (Bridgwater 84), Francis 8, MURRAY 9, Byrne 7, Sheldon 8, Barlone 8 (Carter 89), Blair 8, Ducros 9 (McGrath 81). Subs (not used): Jakab, Semper.

F-T Reds 3-1 Telford

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)