REDDITCH United were held to a 1-1 draw away at 10-man Ilkeston Town despite Robbie Bunn’s goal opening the scoring in Derbyshire.
Bunn broke the deadlock on 25 minutes only for former Northern Ireland international Jamie Ward to equalise just six minutes later at the New Manor Ground.
The result means Redditch sit 12th in the Southern League Premier Central table after four matches.
Matt Clarke’s side started strongly as Lewis Hudson and Calum Flanagan combined well before the latter beat his man and released Ryan Nesbitt who rattled the crossbar after breaking through down the left.
Max Sheaf was next to try his luck with a free-kick that landed on the roof of the net before Reds goalkeeper Kieran Boucher easily saved from Ward at the other end.
Redditch were in the ascendancy for much of the first half with Flanagan planting a half-volley just wide of the post.
And the visitors then somehow failed to take the lead when Nesbitt hit the base of the post from Hudson’s cross before the ball fell to Sheaf whose shot travelled across the face of goal and wide.
However, the Reds eventually made the breakthrough when Bunn volleyed home into the bottom left corner after Nesbitt held the ball up before flicking it into his path.
The lead would last just six minutes as Ilkeston drew level when Ward curled a beautiful effort into the top right corner from 25-yards out.
Undeterred by this setback, Redditch were straight back on the front foot as Sheaf forced Town keeper Saul Deeney into a fingertip save.
Former Derby County and Nottingham Forest star Ward then came close to grabbing his second of the afternoon when he curled a shot wide.
Redditch had the final chance of the half when Nesbitt’s shot was well blocked after he was sent through by Bernard Mensah.
The Robins were much improved after the break and had the best chance to win the game just past the hour mark as Zak Goodson shot inches wide of the post.
However, the home side’s dominance was halted on 71 minutes after Robins defender Ben O’Hanlon was shown a straight red card for a late and high challenge on Sheaf.
Clarke’s men were unable to make their numerical advantage count as Kieren Donnelly shot well over the crossbar in their only meaningful chance following the dismissal.
The club learned their FA Cup First Qualifying Round opponents earlier this week and will face divisional rivals Rushall Olympic at Dales Lane on Saturday, September 3.
Redditch are next in action at home to Nuneaton Borough on Saturday, August 27 before travelling to Stourbridge on Monday, August 29.
