Football
In-form Reds aim to maintain momentum

REDDITCH UNITED expect a trio of key players to shake off knocks in time to feature in tomorrow's home match against Weymouth as they bid to extend their unbeaten Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division run to four matches.

The Reds enjoyed a profitable Bank Holiday weekend as they followed Saturday's exciting 3-2 victory at Gosport Borough with a hard fought 0-0 draw at Banbury United on Monday.

And now they will seek maximum points for the first time on home soil this season, hopefully with Charisma Agbonlahor, Liam McDonald and Josh Quaynor all available.

Boss Simon Redhead will certainly be hoping that striker Mark Danks can continue his excellent start to life in a United shirt.

The former Worcester City man struck twice in Saturday's success but was left frustrated on Monday.

He was twice thwarted by good saves from Banbury's Tim Cross in the opening quarter before being denied what looked set to be the winner in the closing minutes when home captain Liam Dolman made a superb sliding challenge to prevent him converting Connor Deards' assist.

Banbury had two good chances either side of the break but it was the visitors who always looked the more likely winners and it was Danks who came closest of all midway through the second half when his superb strike from 20 yards thumped the post with Cross a mere spectator.

On Saturday Chris Holland's 18-yard strike gave Gosport an early lead but United rallied and drew level in the 17th minute when Danks showed some neat footwork before firing into the top left corner of the goal.

It was 2-1 to the visitors when Dave Bridgwater's deflected free kick flew off Boro skipper Lee Molyneux to wrong-foot keeper Nathan Ashore and end up in the back of the net ten minutes before the break.

However, a thrilling first half was capped with a second goal for the hosts seven minutes before the break when Luke King netted from close range.

The decisive fifth goal went the way of Redhead's men though midway through the second half when Danks finished off a flowing move involving Agbonlahor and Deards.

Redditch are also in action on Tuesday when they make the trip to Bedford Town.

DON'T forget, tickets are on sale to watch a Redditch United XI take on a Manchester United Legends side in a charity match at the Valley Stadium on Sunday, September 9.

Fraser Digby, Arthur Albiston, Dennis Irwin, Clayton Blackmore, Mike Duxbury, Lee Martin, Peter Davenport, Sammy McIlroy, Andy Ritchie, Frank Stapleton and Russell Beardsmore are expected to feature in the Legends team.

Gates open at noon and tickets are just £5, with VIP tickets at £40 which allows you to meet the players. Mascot packages are also available at £20.

Tickets are available from Redditch United Football Club in advance, by calling the club on 01527 67450 or on the day.

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