Weymouth 1, Redditch United 0

REDDITCH returned from the south coast empty-handed after a controversial injury time penalty handed hosts Weymouth all three points.

And to make matters worse for Darren Byfield’s side, they also had defender Ricardo Dudley sent off in the closing stages and were denied a penalty themselves.

Weymouth went into this match smarting from a dismal 4-1 midweek defeat but that seemed to have been forgotten as they dominated the opening period.

After debutant Isaac Cooper had gone close for the visitors inside ten minutes, the remainder of the half saw the Terras press for the opener.

Dan Smith pinged an effort wide before Reds keeper Brad Catlow kept out a Dan Evans shot with his legs. Their best chance came midway through the half when Evans picked out Aaron Rodriguez inside the area but his point blank header was brilliantly saved.

It was a similar tale in the second half although it was Redditch who threatened first when good work from half-time substitutes Liam Spink and Reece Hales saw the ball played to Clinton Morrison but his shot was off target.

Catlow then kept out a Charlie Davis free-kick and a Jordan Copp shot before the game truly burst into life in the closing minutes.

First United striker Jazz Luckie appeared to be upended inside the area only for the referee to wave play on. Weymouth broke upfield and a foul by Dudley earned him a second yellow.

That free-kick came to nothing but, moments later, Duane Courtney was adjudged to have fouled Ben Thomson and this time the official pointed to spot and Davies tucked away the penalty to secure the points.

Reds: CATLOW 8, Roberts 6, Cooper 6 (Luckie 56, 7), Dudley 4, Courtney 7, Young 7, Hewitt 8, Loveridge 5 (Hales 46, 7), Johnson 6, Morrison 6, Bako 5 (Spink 46, 7). Sub (not used): Cowley