FOOTBALL - Redditch United 2-0 Evesham United - The Redditch Standard

FOOTBALL - Redditch United 2-0 Evesham United

Redditch Editorial 20th Feb, 2023 Updated: 23rd Feb, 2023   0

RILEY O’Sullivan scored twice as Redditch United eased into the final of the Worcestershire Senior Cup with a comfortable 2-0 win against Evesham United.

O’Sullivan scored either side of the break in a dominant performance at the Trico Stadium as the Reds brushed aside their lower league opponents.

The Reds will play any of Droitwich Spa, Kidderminster Harriers or Stourport Swifts in the final with the other semi-final to be played next month.

Redditch started the brighter of the two teams and spurned an early chance when Tom Hewlett fired wide.




The Reds went close soon after when Hewlett headed Danny King’s cross from the right onto the top of the crossbar.

And Hewlett had another chance later in the half with the striker unable to keep his first time effort down from Lewis Hudson’s driven cross.


The home side continued to dominate the chances as Max Sheaf delivered a dangerous free-kick from the right with O’Sullivan unable to turn the ball home.

Evesham’s first meaningful attempt of the game came from Will Owens who saw a free-kick from 25-yards out well saved by Reds goalkeeper Ben Taylor diving to his left.

However, Redditch made their dominance count on the stroke of half time when O’Sullivan lashed the ball into the bottom right corner despite furious Evesham appeals for handball.

Matt Clarke’s side picked up where they left off after the break as Sheaf saw his curled effort from distance held by Robins goalkeeper Eddie Brearley.

Sheaf was involved again later in the half when his corner from the right was headed well over the crossbar by Ryan Wollacott.

And the Reds went close soon after as King’s driven shot deflected wide before Ryan Flanagan’s corner from the left hit the crossbar and bounced to safety.

Redditch were denied again moments later as Sheaf saw his shot from the edge of the penalty area blocked behind with Brearley at full stretch.

Evesham put their bodies on the line to remain in the contest as Sheaf and Hewlett had goalbound shots blocked before Hudson flashed a ball across the face of goal.

And Hudson then jinked his way into a dangerous position down the left only for his driven cross to be deflected to safety.

However, the full back grabbed a deserved assist on 72 minutes when he sent another ball to the back post which was duly turned home by O’Sullivan.

And O’Sullivan was denied a hat-trick by a combination of goalkeeper and post as he attempted to turn home Hudson’s pass from close range.

Dan Griffiths shot wide for Evesham late on in what was the visitors only chance of note all half.

Redditch last won the trophy in 2013/14 and will have the chance to add to their cabinet following a comfortable victory.

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