REDDITCH United advanced to the semi-finals of the Worcestershire Senior Cup after winning a five-goal thriller against Stourport Swifts before then claiming a vital three points against local rivals Alvechurch.
Tali Jallow, Romario Martin and Tiago Nassunculo were all on target as the Reds came from behind to beat Stourport 3-2 at the Trico Stadium with Lee Hughes and Connor Gator striking for the visitors.
And Redditch backed up their pre-Christmas win with another victory on December 27 as Dan Sweeney’s late goal proved decisive in a 1-0 success against high-flying Alvechurch.
The results mean Redditch are now into the last four of the Worcestershire Senior Cup and sit 17th in the Southern League Premier Central table – two points clear of the relegation zone.
Redditch provided fans with free entry to the clash against Stourport and the Reds faithful were certainly not left disappointed.
Kieran Boucher made a fine save low down to his left to keep out Edilson Antonio early on before Jallow powered over from the edge of the penalty area at the other end.
Stourport then took the lead on 33 minutes when former Premier League striker Hughes finished into the bottom right corner.
But the Reds would draw level in first-half injury-time when Tiago broke through before rounding the keeper and selflessly squaring to Jallow to open his Reds account.
And Redditch then scored straight from kick-off in the second period as Martin found the net after a fine move down the right.
The home side extended their lead when substitute Charlie Williams drove at the Swifts defence before laying the ball off to Tiago who curled a brilliant effort into the left corner of the goal
However, the visitors kept themselves in the contest with 20 minutes left to play when Gator found the left corner with a curling effort.
Both teams traded chances as the game opened up in the closing stages but Redditch held on to secure a fine victory and reach the semi-finals.
And the Reds carried that momentum into their league fixture with Alvechurch as they stunned the promotion-chasing side to claim all three points at the Trico.
Redditch almost took the lead when Aram Soleman’s effort was deflected onto the crossbar before bouncing down onto the line and scrambled away to safety.
And the Reds continued to apply the pressure in the second half when Sweeney’s vicious effort was kept out by the strong hand of Alvechurch goalkeeper Daniel Jezeph.
The visitors best chance fell to Daniel Waldron who could only fire over the bar from close to the penalty spot following a poor clearance.
However, Redditch would take all three points on 83 minutes when Sweeney rose highest to plant Robbie Bunn’s corner beyond Jezeph to secure a crucial victory.
The Reds won both fixtures without manager Matt Clarke on the touchline as the Redditch boss recovers from Covid-19.
Redditch are next in action away at local rivals Stourbridge on New Year’s Day with kick-off at 1pm at the War Memorial Athletic Ground.
