Redditch United 3, Chesham United 1

GOALS from Javia Roberts, Clinton Morrison and Jazz Luckie gave new Redditch manager Darren Byfield a winning debut in the Southern League Premier Division.

But those bare facts barely tell half the story of a thrilling opening-day victory for the Reds at their temporary home of Stratford Town With Danico Johnson and Morrison providing a powerful foil upfront, the Reds’ passing, hard work and invention were rewarded with a two-goal lead at half-time.

Johnson was involved in both. On 32 minutes, he bustled his way past two defenders from Morrison’s flick and prodded the ball past keeper Ashlee Jones and Roberts charged in to score.

Then two minutes before the break, Morrison’s harrying forced an defensive error, Johnson nicked the ball and then set up the former Birmingham City striker for an emphatic finish.

But the second half became a rearguard action when Reds skipper Clayton McDonald was given a red card for flattening Benji Crilley ten minutes after the break.

Dave Pearce pulled a goal back on 63 minutes and it was Chesham’s attack versus no-nonsense Redditch defending led by the excellent Duane Courtney after that.

But in the 90th minute a magnificent counter-attacking goal made it 3-1.

Liam Spink won a tackle midway in the Reds half, then showed Chesham defender Darren Purse a clean pair of heels to race 70 metres down the left before finding fellow sub Luckie, who showed superb composure to slot home from ten yards.

Game won in style after a performance of nerve, verve and spirit that bodes well for the rest of the season.

REDDITCH: Catlow 7; Young 6, McDonald 7, Courtney 7; Loveridge 6 (Dudley 55, 6), Hewitt 6; Jones 7, Bako 6, Roberts 6; Morrison 7 (Spink, 60, 6), Johnson 7 (Luckie 63, 6). Subs not used: Cowley, Hales.