Football
Reds remain in the mire

REDDITCH UNITED were deprived of the chance to bounce back from a fifth successive league defeat when Tuesday's match against Bashley at the Valley Stadium fell victim to a frozen pitch.

As the Standard went to press it also appeared unlikely tomorrow's visit to leaders Leamington would beat the elements, whilst Tuesday's visit to play-off chasing Arlesey Town would also appear to be in jeopardy.

Simon Redhead's team remain second from bottom of the Southern League Premier Division after Saturday's 3-0 defeat at home to Bedford Town and, whilst sitting just two points behind Hitchin Town, they have a six-point deficit to fourth bottom Bashley, meaning the fight for points is becoming increasingly vital as they seek to escape a bottom two finish and relegation.

Not for the first time this season, Saturday's scoreline was harsh on the Reds as for long periods they matched Bedford, but the familiar tale of a lack of cutting edge once again haunted them.

The match saw a debut for talented young Reserves keeper Dan Payne who stepped up to the plate after Brad Catlow was laid low by illness.

The hosts, who fielded winger Danny Edwards in their ranks following his loan switch from Worcester City, made a bright start and it was Edwards at the heart of it as his long range strike soared just over the bar.

Lindon Dovey also went close before Payne showed his talent at the other end with a smart stop to thwart Will Green's header and Nick Beasant's strike.

However, the latter save was at the expense of a corner which was headed home by Green in the 40th minute, although the Reds rallied and Edwards looked set to equalise only for Town keeper Ian Brown to save his strike.

Bedford were the stronger team after the restart though and goals in the final 15 minutes from Jermaine Ivy and Beasant sealed United's fate.

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