JASON COWLEY’S second half goal proved enough to seal a 1-0 win for Redditch Borough over visitors Barton United on Tuesday and move the Reds reserves into second place in Midland League Division Three.
Redditch went into the match on the back of Saturday’s 2-1 home success over Northfield Town which arrived thanks to goals from Jamie Hatfield and Benjamin Roddy and for the second time in four days the Reds came out on top against top six opposition at the Valley.
However, it was not easy for Borough, who visit local rivals Alcester Town for a Challenge Vase semi-final on Saturday before hosting Badsey Rangers in the league on Tuesday.
The first half really was largely controlled by the home side and they created plenty of opportunities, but they could not capitalise on their chances.
The second half was a more even affair as Barton grew into the game and enjoyed more of the ball, but did not really create any decent chances in front of goal.
Cowley’s decisive strike then arrived before Barton poured forward in search of an equaliser – including the keeper at one point – but to no avail.
There was a questionable decision when Barton seemed to have scored directly from a corner, however the assistant referee ruled the ball had not crossed the line.
The Reds reserves are a point behind leaders Leamington Hibernian and six ahead of third placed FC Stratford, who have played a game more than the top two.
