DAN SWEENEY’s goal helped steer Redditch United closer to safety after the Reds beat in-form Nuneaton Borough 1-0 to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches.
Sweeney netted the game’s only goal after just four minutes to back up their win at home to Lowestoft Town last weekend and end the hosts run of six games without conceding.
The result means Redditch have moved up to 10th in the Southern League Premier Central table, now 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
And Redditch took just four minutes to open the scoring at Nuneaton when Sweeney deftly flicked the ball home from Lewis Hudson’s low near post cross.
The Reds then had goalkeeper Kieran Boucher to thank for retaining their lead when he denied a curling effort before making an excellent reflex save from the resulting corner to tip the ball over the bar.
Matt Clarke’s side almost doubled their lead in the second half when Aram Soleman’s header went just wide of the left-hand post.
And Soleman came close again late on when he tried an audacious acrobatic finish from Sweeney’s cross only to see the ball fly over the crossbar.
However, Boucher would come to Redditch’s rescue again deep into injury-time when he held a powerful effort after a Nuneaton player was left unmarked in the box.
And Sweeney’s early strike ultimately proved decisive as the Reds look to steer clear of the relegation battle they have been embroiled in all season.
Redditch are next in action at home to St Ives Town on Saturday, March 5 with kick-off at 3pm at the Trico Stadium.
