Corby 1, Redditch United 0

REDDITCH United progressed to the second qualifying round of this season’s FA Trophy with consummate ease despite only winning by a one-goal margin at high-flying Corby Town.

An early first-half Ashley Sammons goal was enough for the visiting Reds who did not look like giving up their spot in the next round at any point of the afternoon.

Sammons fired a warning sign to the hosts after only six minutes, his low free-kick from 25 yards forced Corby goalkeeper Paul Walker to get down well.

Flying full-back Jordan Jones wasted a decent opening on ten minutes but moments later Liam McDonald’s men were ahead. Jermaine Hylton was the creator, the Steel Park side were unable to get to grips with the Redditch livewire all game, as he drew in three defenders before beautifully releasing Sammons on the overlap who drove beyond Walker.

The Reds went into the Trophy tie unbeaten in six in all competitions since the likes of Sammons and Hylton returned from injury - and with the team playing some glorious stuff, they almost doubled their lead on 38 minutes.

A 12-pass move that involved a number of flicks and a Simeon Maye back-heel saw Sammons attempt an audacious lob that was just clawed away by Walker.

Corby threatened once before the break, Greg Mills with a decent strike that forced Sam Hornby into a good save.

George Carline went close for Redditch 10 minutes into the second-half, firing narrowly wide. Before Hylton made full use of a refereeing advantage by squaring for Sammons who was just off-target.

A sweet, outside of the foot ball from Sammons then released sub Dior Angus who pulled back for Hylton but the attacker was unable to connect meaningfully.

Even with only the slenderest of margins the hosts never looked like equalising, Ben Milnes with their best effort of the second-half with 11 minutes to go as his free-kick was kept out by Hornby.

Angus should have done better when one-on-one with Walker on 85 minutes and the stopper was again on-hand to deny a late Maye effort, with the help of his post.

Reds: Hornby 8, JONES 9, Cullinane-Liburd 7, Spink 7, Mutton 8, Scarr 8, Loveridge 8 (Angus 73), Carline 8, Hylton 9, Sammons 8 (Oshungbure 82), Maye 9. Subs (not used): Flanagan, Spencer, Catlow.