REDDITCH United cruised into the First Round Proper of the FA Trophy with a comfortable 3-0 win away at divisional rivals Hitchin Town.
Max Sheaf, Ryan Wollacott and Bernard Mensah were all on the scoresheet as Matt Clarke’s side eased to victory at Top Field.
And Redditch will play AFC Totton at home in the First Round Proper on Saturday, October 29 with kick-off at 3pm at the Trico Stadium.
Redditch survived an early barrage from Hitchin as Reds goalkeeper Kieran Boucher made a good save high to his right to keep the scores level.
However, the visitors took the lead on 17 minutes when Sheaf rounded the keeper and slotted home from a tight angle after his initial effort was saved back into his path.
And Redditch went close to a second when Sheaf’s free-kick was met by the head of Wollacott who saw his effort tipped over the crossbar by Charlie Horlock.
The Canaries had a chance to equalise when the ball deflected off Wollacott and into the path of Finley Wilkinson who shot inches past the post.
Clarke’s men doubled their lead five minutes before half time as Wollacott thumped a header past Horlock at the back post from Reece Flanagan’s corner.
And Redditch booked their place in the next round with their third goal on 57 minutes as Mensah turned his man and smashed home from close range after good link-up play between Sheaf and Robbie Bunn.
Redditch are next in action TONIGHT (Tuesday, October 11) away at Coalville Town with kick-off at 7.45pm at Owen Street Sports Ground.
