ARAM Soleman’s header earned Redditch United a 1-0 win against local rivals Bromsgrove Sporting as the Reds moved top of the table for the first time this season.
Soleman’s 76th minute header from Reece Flanagan’s corner proved decisive in front of 1,502 spectators at the Valley Stadium.
That came after Sporting player-manager Mike McGrath saw red on 15 minutes as the Reds claimed the local bragging rights with a fourth successive victory over their rivals.
Redditch now lead the Southern League Premier Central table by one point although title challengers Needham Market and Mickleover both have games in-hand on the Reds.
After a five-minute delay before kick-off, the Reds started the brighter of the teams as Flanagan’s corner from the left hit the post.
Sporting responded with a chance of their own as Conor Tee’s effort from distance sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.
However, Bromsgrove were reduced to 10-men on 15 minutes when McGrath tugged back Tyrell Skeen-Hamilton just outside the box as the Reds striker raced through on goal.
From the resulting free-kick, Skeen-Hamilton fired the ball around the wall and into the side netting.
The Reds dominated possession thereafter but failed to seriously trouble Ollie Taylor in the Sporting goal until he pushed Soleman’s effort behind just before the break.
Matt Clarke’s side remained on top at the start of the second period as Jordan Cranston saw his fierce drive from 20-yards out well-saved by Taylor low down to the keeper’s right.
Sporting remained a threat on the break and went close at the other end when Tee curled a shot inches past the post from distance.
Redditch almost took the lead from a corner later in the half only for Aaron Roberts to clear Ryan Wollacott’s header at the back post off the line.
However, the Reds finally broke the deadlock on 76 minutes when Soleman glanced Flanagan’s corner from the left into the top right corner.
Sporting almost found an equaliser at the death when Tee’s corner from the right led to a goalmouth scramble in the Redditch box before a Rouslers player shot wide from close range.
However, the Reds held on to move top of the table with a hard-fought victory.
