Edwards returns but Reds suffer fifth straight defeat (From Redditch Advertiser)

Edwards returns but Reds suffer fifth straight defeat

12:48pm Sunday 13th January 2013 in News

Redditch Utd 0, Bedford Town 3

Redditch suffered a fifth straight defeat as an in-form Bedford side took the points away from a muddy Valley Stadium.

Simon Redhead’s side were forced to hand rookie keeper Dan Payne his debut – the shotstopper making the step-up from the Reserves after regular Brad Catlow went down ill.

And it was another new signing, former United favourite Danny Edwards, who almost handed the Reds the lead when his 20-yard drive flew just over the Bedford target.

Linden Dovey then had an effort blocked as Redditch settled better on a tricky pitch.

Payne was called into action to keep out a Will Green header and he made another good save to deny Nick Beasant.

But it was from the resulting corner that Bedford took the lead five minutes before the break, the home defence not dealing with the flag kick and defender Josh Green headed home from close range.

Edwards almost levelled before half-time but, after breaking free, he was denied by keeper Ian Brown.

It was Bedford who looked the stronger after the interval and they duly doubled their lead 15 minutes from time when substitute Jermaine Ivy headed home from close range.

Reds keeper Payne was unlucky to concede a third in the closing stages, the youngster saving well from a Callum Lewis shot only for the rebound to fall to Beasant who tapped home.

Reds: Payne 6, Moran 5, Flanagan 5, Charlton 6, Hickman 5, Hands 5, Deards 5 (Grandison 65, 5), McDONALD 7, Dovey 5, Edwards 5 (Oshungbure 80), Quaynor 5 (Cresswell 67, 5). Subs (not used): Jenkins.