Reds back on track as United see off Hitchin

REDDITCH put in one of their best displays of the season to run out convincing winners at Hitchin.

The scoreline flattered the home side who struggled to come to termed with the United midfield where Jamey Osborne and George Carline were particularly outstanding.

Two goals in the opening 18 minutes proved sufficient but there were plenty of other chances for the Reds including one inside the opening ten minutes when Will Richards headed over from in front of goal.

The breakthrough came on 14 minutes. Osborne’s corner was not dealt with and Carline’s header fell for Danny Dubidat who netted from ten yards.

It was Carline who doubled the lead from another Osborne set-piece, this time turning home a free-kick from six yards.

Carline could have added to the tally before Troy Baker was denied by the keeper after getting goalside of the defence.

The home side had offered little before the break, a John Frendo header wide of the target, but they almost hit back early in the second half when visiting keeper Jose Veiga needed to make a good save from Cane Smith.

At the other end it was business as usual with Carline glancing a header wide while Luke Shearer directed a shot straight at the keeper.

Hitchin’s hopes were dealt a blow when Frendo was sent off midway through the half but they still managed to find the net in the closing stages, Jonny McNamara heading in from close range.

Reds: Veiga 8, Haynes 7 (Young 78), Flanagan 7, Loveridge 7, Mutton 7, Richards 8, Baker 7 (Shearer 69, 6), Osborne 8, Dubidat 8 (Mutubvu 87), Molyneux 7, CARLINE 9. Subs (not used): Bridgewater, Swan.