REDDITCH United were aiming to stop the rot when they took on St Ives Town in Cambridgeshire tonight (Thursday).
Tim Harris’ side have lost five of their last six Southern League Premier matches having slipped to a 2-1 defeat, also in Cambridgeshire, at St Neots Town on Saturday.
After falling behind to an early Liam McDevitt effort, credited by some as a Tom Fishwick own goal, the visitors then found themselves 2-0 down when Thomas Meechan netted from a tight angle in the 38th minute.
Ash Sammons hauled the Reds back into contention with a 42nd-minute penalty but, despite their best efforts, there was no way back.
United, 16th in the table at the time of going to press, conclude their home campaign on Saturday with the visit of Tiverton Town before finishing the season at Merthyr Town on April 28.
REDDITCH United Ladies booked their place in the final of the West Midlands Regional Women’s League South Cup with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Stourbridge at the Trico Stadium on Sunday.
Goals shortly either side of half-time from Ellie Gerhold and Erin Riden saw off the Black Country visitors and sets up Gary Barrell’s side nicely for this Sunday’s vital Division One South fixture at Solihull United.
The Reds go into the game a point behind leaders Gornal with two games in hand, knowing a point or more will return them to the summit.
STUDLEY travelled to Coventry Copsewood tonight for their latest Midland League Division One fixture, looking to bounce back from Tuesday’s 6-0 home defeat to champions-elect Walsall Wood.
The Bees then host Uttoxeter Town on Saturday before visiting Heath Hayes on Tuesday and entertaining Coventry Alvis on Thursday.
Prior to the Walsall Wood defeat, Vaughan Pearshouse’s side – 11th before last night’s fixture – did enjoy a 1-0 home win over Paget Rangers on Saturday thanks to Danny Ludlow’s first half strike.
FECKENHAM travel to Redditch Borough’s Batchley base tonight in a Midland League Division Two derby, bidding to build on Saturday’s 3-1 victory at Fairfield Villa which booked their place in the semi-finals of the Evesham Hospital Junior Cup.
The Millers, seventh ahead of last night’s fixture, host Bloxwich Town at the Entaco on Saturday before further home games against Earlswood Town and champions-elect NKF Burbage on Tuesday and Thursday respectively.
After the weekend’s cup victory, secured thanks to a brace from Ciaran Kelly and an Umit Eminoglu goal, Feckenham joint assistant manager Tom Davies said: “We’re obviously delighted to have gone to Fairfield with the form they are in and get the win.
“It was a strong performance and the conditions didn’t help either side as both wanted to play in the right way.
“We adjusted well, played when it was on to play and hit areas when required.
“Another derby beckons in the semi-final (date TBC) at an Alcester Town side who are having a strong season.”
The winners of the semi will face Redditch Borough in the final.
ALVECHURCH Reserves manager Oliver Hartill has confirmed he will depart the club at the end of the season, writes Lewis Glennon.
Hartill joined Church Reserves in the summer from Northfield Town and the team is fighting for a league and cup double. Having guided the side into the final of the Challenge Trophy, they are vying for the Midland League Reserve Division title.
However, he will leave after only one season as he wants a new challenge ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
His past managerial experiences include leading Northfield Town to two cup finals and promotion from the Midland League Division Three. He has also had success managing Sunday league side OKH Dynamos.
Despite the announcement, Hartill remains fully focused on ending the season on a high. With leaders Coton Green suffering a 2-0 loss to Nuneaton Griff last weekend, Alvechurch lie second, three points adrift with a game in hand, while Gresley are eight points behind Church with four games in hand.
Harthill knows they must win their all their remaining games, starting with a home game against Bolehall Swifts on Saturday at Illey Lane.
