MIKE Fowler felt his Redditch United side looked ‘stronger and fitter’ than rivals Bromsgrove Sporting after reaching the Worcestershire Senior Cup final.
The Reds extended their unbeaten run against Sporting to nine matches as Aaron Bishop’s goal settled the derby clash.
United scored the game’s only goal on 18 minutes when Bishop scrambled the ball home from close range after Bromsgrove failed to clear their lines following a corner from the left.
Redditch will play defending champions Worcester City in the final of the competition in April at Evesham United’s Spiers and Hartwell Stadium ground.
And Fowler felt his side played the better football and looked fitter than their rivals in a heated derby game.
Fowler said: “It was feisty, it was a proper derby. We managed to get on top, they were trying to be physical.
“We looked stronger and fitter than them. We played the better football and created a lot of chances.
“They had one chance when we switched off and we got lucky but that was it in the game.
“I enjoyed the tenacious nature of the game. I don’t think it was helped by the man in the middle.
“There was a couple of naughty ones. I think there was some people lucky to stay on the pitch.
“I’m absolutely delighted for everyone at the football club. The players have worked hard this season.
“It wasn’t pretty but I’m delighted for the players to get some reward by being in a cup final.”
Redditch return to league action this weekend with the club firmly in the mix for a play-off place.
And Fowler expressed his excitement over the prospect of the Reds achieving a top-five finish this season.
Fowler added: “My mentality switched a long time ago and locked in to what is needed to get us in the play-offs.
“I think second and third are a big stretch but fourth and fifth is all to play for.
“There’s probably six or seven teams fighting [for the play-off spots].
“There’s a lot of form coming into the business end of the season and it excites me.
“We’ve just got to keep performing.”
Redditch are next in action against St Ives Town on Saturday, March 7 with kick-off at 3pm at the Valley Stadium.
