REDDITCH United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat after losing 1-0 against Leiston as the club played their first home game since the loss of midfielder Thomas Rankin.
Sebastian Dunbar’s first-half goal proved decisive on an emotional day at the Trico Stadium.
The result leaves Redditch in 14th place in the Southern League Premier Central table, three points clear of the final potential relegation spot.
Everyone joined for a minute’s applause prior to kick-off, in memory of Rankin, whilst the Redditch United Supporter’s Club organised a floral piece and flag in Rankin’s honour.
And play was then stopped after eight minutes for another minute’s applause in honour of the number Rankin wore during his time with the Reds.
Redditch carved out the first meaningful chance of the game when Victor Sodeinde was played through only for his attempted lob to come back off the crossbar.
And Sodeinde was played in again soon after only to shoot straight at Leiston goalkeeper Samuel Donkin.
However, Leiston scored the game’s decisive goal on 23 minutes when captain Dunbar slotted home from the left-hand side with a low shot across the face of goal into the right corner.
Despite Redditch’s dominance, Leiston’s Brendan Ocran hit the post before a handball in the box at the other end handed the hosts a chance to level from the spot.
However, Sodeinde’s penalty towards the bottom right corner was well-saved by Leiston keeper Donkin who tipped the ball away to safety.
And Donkin denied Redditch again with a stunning save shortly after as he somehow held onto Luke Rowe’s curling effort that seemed destined for the top corner.
The Reds were relentless in their pursuit of an equaliser and almost drew level when Kieren Donnelly’s low ball across the box was turned over the bar by a retreating Leiston defender from three-yards out.
Redditch are next in action away at Tamworth on Saturday, April 16 with kick-off at 3pm at The Lamb Ground.
