Football:
Young stars are shining for United

THE YOUNG talent at Redditch United was again to the fore as the Reds secured a thrilling and precious 3-2 victory at Chippenham Town on Saturday, but Simon Redhead's side were made to pay for wasteful finishing on Tuesday evening as Banbury United secured a 2-0 win at the Valley Stadium.

Despite the latter result, the Reds' recent performances - in which youngsters Jermaine Hylton, Leavi Oshungbure and Will Richards in particular have shone - mean hopes are high among fans that United can escape the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division drop zone with a victory in tomorrow's crucial match at home to basement boys Kettering Town.

A bumper crowd is expected as the Reds officially relaunch their junior section, so club officials are calling on supporters to swell the crowd for an occasion in which numerous other activities for all ages will be on offer.

On Saturday Redditch dragged Chippenham right into the relegation mix with a superb win in which they twice came from behind.

Trailing to Alan Griffin's header, United hit back to level ten minutes before the break when Richards released the pacy Hylton who skipped past two defenders before delivering a dangerous cross which could only be turned into his own net by Greg Tindle.

Redditch looked set to take command but fell behind again on the hour mark when Alex Kite fired in a low effort past Brad Catlow.

However, Redditch were in no mood to lie down and completed a stunning win with two goals in the final ten minutes as Hylton netted from close range and Oshungbure struck at the death.

Unfortunately the Reds were profligate in front of goal in the first half as they went down to Banbury, but nevertheless remain just a point behind third bottom Bedworth United, with two games in hand.

In the opening period Alex Hickman's header was well tipped over the bar by Banbury keeper Warren Carter before Hylton was thwarted by an excellent low save.

Richards was then denied from close range and at the start of the second half Josh Quaynor saw a fine strike pushed around the post.

The visitors then produced the sucker-punch as Albi Skandi opened the scoring on 49 minutes after exchanging passes with Kynan Isaac before firing beneath Reds keeper Catlow.

The scoring was completed five minutes later as the unmarked Wayne Blossom scored following Marvin Martin's free kick.

Reds also face a crucial match on Tuesday when they travel to Bedworth United.

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