REDDITCH United claimed another valuable three points in their quest for a play-off spot with a 2-1 victory at bottom side Royston Town.
First-half goals from Morgan Owen and Robbie Bunn put the Reds in command before Giuseppe Iaciofano score a late consolation for the home side at Garden Walk.
The result means Redditch sit fourth in the Southern League Premier Central table, one point clear of the chasing pack in the race for a play-off spot.
Mike Fowler’s side went close early on when Aaron Bishop’s shot looped up into the path of Alex Cameron who flicked an effort wide of the post.
However, the Reds broke the deadlock on 23 minutes when Owen’s free-kick from the left curled beyond everyone and into the net.
United had to make a change moments later with goalkeeper Tyrese Warmington replaced by Stan Amos after the former failed to shrug off the after effects of a late challenge earlier in the contest.
The Reds had a chance to double their lead when Bunn broke into the box and saw his shot saved by Reuben Rabstein before Alfie Thornett blocked Bunn’s follow up off the line.
Royston offered little attacking threat in the first period as Amos, making his league debut for Redditch, comfortably held Archie Locke’s deflected effort.
And the Reds doubled their lead in first-half injury time when Bunn lashed a shot past Rabstein from 30-yards out to put United in command.
After the break, Reds substitute Luke Ward headed Liam Loughlan’s free-kick from the right past the post.
Royston thought they had reduced the deficit when a header from a corner hit the post only for Joel Shambrook to boot the ball to safety before the ball had crossed the line.
The home side scored a consolation goal three minutes into injury time when Iaciofano bundled the ball home from close range after Amos made an initial save.
And Royston almost snatched a point at the death only for Iaciofano to send a volley inches over the crossbar with the final kick of the game.
