GIBRALTAR international Reece Styche dumped Redditch United out of the FA Trophy as the Reds winless run continued against local rivals Stourbridge at the Trico Stadium.
Styche struck in the 49th minute when he produced a moment of individual brilliance to find the top-left corner which proved to be the difference between the two teams.
The result means Redditch are winless in their last eight matches – in the league and FA Trophy – with their most recent success coming back in early September.
Stour started well and came close to an opener when Darryl Knights fired narrowly wide before Dan Sweeney saw his effort saved by visiting keeper Charlie Price at the other end.
Sweeney then struck the left-hand post with a driven free-kick from distance before once again being denied by Price after some excellent link-up play with Alex Cameron.
However, despite Redditch dominating the closing stages of the first-half – Stourbridge took the lead early in the second period.
The visitors kept the ball alive in the Redditch box before Styche picked out the top-left corner with a well-placed effort to put Stourbridge ahead.
A scrappy contest ensued after the goal before Ryan Wollacott had a header comfortably saved by Price.
Redditch pressed for an equaliser and almost found one in the final five minutes when a loose ball fell to Luke Cox only for the defender to head over from close range.
Sweeney had one final chance for Matt Clarke’s side with Price once again equal to his effort as Redditch bowed out of the FA Trophy at the third qualifying round stage.
The Reds are back in action tonight (Monday, November 1) when they host Rushall Olympic in the second round of the Southern League Challenge Cup with kick-off at 7:45pm at the Trico Stadium.
