REDDITCH were beaten 9-3 in their opening pre-season friendly at a well-drilled Finchfield on Saturday.
It was a tough first half for the Kingfishers who found themselves 5-0 down at the break despite producing some dangerous attacking play of their own and winning multiple penalty corners.
Playing against a side who ply their trade two divisions higher, Redditch were determined to restore pride in the second half and they did just that.
Pete Dawson missed a fine chance to get them on the scoresheet before Jacob Beard struck twice for the visitors – the second goal following fine individual skill from Josh Brown.
Finchfield netted four more times but Redditch had the final say when Chris Thomas fired home into the bottom corner.
There was a promising performance from Redditch youngster Eugene Read on his first team debut.
Redditch continue their preparations for the new West Midlands Premier Division campaign with a visit to Old Halesonians tonight (Tuesday) before hosting Nuneaton on Saturday.
