REDDITCH began their West Midlands League Division One campaign with a convincing 4-0 home victory over Droitwich on Saturday.
The Kingfishers fielded their youngest team in recent memory and the game started with both teams enjoying periods of sustained possession, but very little chances were carved out in the early periods.
However, Redditch began to put pressure on the Droitwich defence as the midfield trio of Chris Thomas, Jacob Beard and skipper Andy Billingham sent inviting balls into the box and tested the visiting keeper.
With half time approaching and Redditch down to ten men after one of their players received a two-minute sin-binning for not retreating five meters, Redditch were awarded a short corner from which Pete Dawson firmly fired the ball into the bottom corner to open the scoring.
The second half saw Redditch continue their dominance and it was 2-0 when Tom Dunkley scored following a great run and assist from Beard.
It was soon 3-0 when Thomas, on his league return for Redditch after rejoining the club over the summer, slapped the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the D.
With the game drawing to an end, Redditch scored a fourth goal courtesy of last season’s top scorer Harry Capewell.
The hosts spurned many other chances and will head to Barlaston on Saturday in confident mood.
REDDITCH 2nds were 2-0 winners at Droitwich in West Midlands League Division Two, whilst the 3rds were beaten 2-1 by Warwick in a friendly.
The 4ths suffered a 5-2 defeat at home to Old Silhillians 4th in Central League South West Two.
However, the Redditch side, with an influx of Back to Hockey players part of this newly-formed team, showed lots of potential as Simon Bagladi and Rob Leighton got on the scoresheet.
ANNA STAFFORD scored from a penalty flick but it was the only bright spot in a 6-1 Worcestershire League Division One defeat for Redditch Ladies at Bournville.
A home game against Pershore is next up on Saturday.
THE BADGERS enjoyed a 3-1 victory at Worcester thanks to goals from Harry (2) and Luke.
Coach Paul Cowley said: “This was a great team performance and I even managed to take myself off and let just the juniors play.
“The players showed their versatility and proved the weekly training sessions are paying off.”
