Burnham 0, Redditch United 2

REDDITCH United’s bid to reach the play-offs looks set to go right to the wire after they capitalised on a slip-up from their top five rivals.

A four match winless streak had left the Reds with no room for error at relegated Burnham if they were to retain any hope of extending their season into May.

But Liam McDonald’s side never looked in danger of slipping up as Mor Diop and an Ashley Sammons’ spot kick sealed a victory that was far more comfortable than the scoreline suggested.

And there was more good news for the Reds at the final whistle as it emerged play-off rivals Weymouth and St Neots Town had both dropped points to leave United three points off the pace with two league games to go.

Burnham offered little resistance to the Reds and it came as no surprise when Diop slotted the visitors ahead on the half hour mark. Sammons’ initial shot was blocked but the rebound fell kindly to Diop who scuffed the ball past Burnham keeper Brendan Hazlett.

The Reds doubled their lead just two minutes later through Sammons’ penalty after Joel Caines had been up-ended in the area.

The subdued hosts’ only chance arrived nine minutes before the break when Alex Dimitrijevic shook off Clayton McDonald but Sam Hornby was quickly of his line to smother his shot.

The Reds should have extended their lead after the break through Diop, Leigh Phillips and George Carline whose back post header was smartly saved by Hazlett.

But the missed chances never looked like being punished by the home side as United eased to a victory that keeps their supporters dreaming.

Reds: Hornby 7, Jones 6 (Maye 46, 6), CAINES 8, Scarr 7, McDonald 6, Flanagan 7, Spink 7 (Shearer 70, 6), Dinsley 7, Diop 8, Sammons 6 (Phillips 46, 6), Carline 8. Subs (not used): Liburd, Baker-Richardson.