Football
Massive match awaits Reds

REDDITCH United face their biggest match of the season so far tomorrow when Evesham United visit the Valley Stadium for what is a 'six-pointer' in every sense of the word.

The Reds head into the match in the last safe position in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division, just a place and two points above their visitors.

However, the Robins arrive having failed to win any of their last six league matches and without scoring in their last four, leaving Redditch boss Graham Hyde feeling confident his side can clinch a precious victory in the first of five remaining matches, despite them suffering a 2-1 defeat at Hitchin Town on Saturday.

On Monday (3pm), the Reds then travel to play-off chasing Stourbridge, but before that all attention is on clinching a home win which would avenge a 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture on New Year's Eve.

The Reds will give a home debut to former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie, who played the full 90 minutes at Hitchin, but was unable to save his side from defeat despite a second half goal from Jimmy Deabill which threatened to spark a comeback from 2-0 down.

Hyde said: "Our loyal fans have been tremendous all season and we know they realise this is a huge game for us so, with the added incentive of being able to see Lee (Hendrie) in action for the first time, we really hope we get a good gate and backing to see us on our way.

"The lads know what is required of them on Saturday and the rewards are clear for all to see if we win. We will be well on our way to survival and three points would also increase the pressure on sides above us (three clubs are above the Reds by three points or less)."

On Saturday the Reds went close to taking the lead when the impressive Luke Benbow just failed to turn the ball home from close range and Stuart Hendrie was denied by home keeper Martin Bennett.

However, Ieuan Lewis raced clear to put the hosts ahead in the 33rd minute and they doubled their lead eight minutes later when Luke Gregson thumped a 20-yard drive high into the Redditch net.

Benbow and Lee Hendrie both forced Bennett into smart saves before substitute Deabill halved United's arrears with a close range finish in the 65th minute.

The visitors piled on the pressure but could not find an equaliser, despite Kyle Knott's cross-shot striking the bar late on.

MEANWHILE, Redditch United's youth and junior sections are looking for enthusiastic people to join their group of voluntary managers and coaches.

The club want to continue to create new teams for children of the Redditch community and, as their current squads all move up an age bracket for next season, they are looking to start new mini-football teams.

Also for next season, there is a manager/coach vacancy for one of the U11 squads, whilst the club would also like to hear from any potential new players.

The Reds have squads from U7s up to U18s and are hoping that, with more coaches, they can maintain the age range.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer manager/coach or want to play football please contact Claire or Darren Lane on 0121 628 0135 (evenings) or e-mail lane11@blueyonder.co.uk.

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