REDDITCH Hockey Club’s men’s first team were held to a 1-1 draw with Barford Tigers 2nds as the visitors came from behind to avoid defeat.
The away side started well as Redditch dominated possession and caused Barford problems with some offensive pressure.
Strong midfield play by Jacob Beard, Dan Jakeman and Harry Williams created opportunities for Redditch with several chances going just wide of the goal.
Barford grew into the game and had offensive pressure and opportunities of their own, but strong defensive efforts from Redditch’s back four ensured the game remained goalless.
Redditch were awarded a short corner wand were unfortunate not to have gained a penalty flick as a result of a great deflection from Andy Billingham, as the first half ended scoreless.
Both goalkeepers made saves early in the second period before Barford opened the scoring from a short corner that was flicked into the bottom corner.
And Redditch drew level after some sustained pressure on the Barford goal as Mike Richards drove the ball home following good work from forwards Connor Adams and Jack Gwyer.
Redditch are next in action away at Bloxwich on Saturday, October 8.
And there was an all-Redditch affair as the club’s development team and third team clashed in a league fixture.
The ambitious Bromsgrove Road club have expanded back to four men’s league teams with their third and development teams’ placed in the same division.
The development team were playing their first game of the season and showcased an incredible range of ages as 12-year-old’s made the step up from the Badgers squad for the first time to boss the midfield.
And the most experienced defender was more than six times older whilst the match also featured the return of some former players who looked like they had not missed a beat.
The first half was a lively and closely contested affair with the 3rds dominant in possession and were matched by a resilient and determined development team.
A single goal to the 3rds was all that separated the teams in the first half, until the last hit of the period doubled the advantage.
The second half was similarly competitive, with the 3rds scoring twice more to secure a 4-0 victory.
Brothers Miller and Marshall Glen both scored for the second consecutive week, with Leo Jones and Brandon Simpson also on target.
And 14-year-old midfielder Elliot Ford took centre stage with his quick hands and intricate passing providing a couple of assists.
Next weekend, the third team are away at Barford Tigers, whilst the development team are at home to Harborne 5ths.
Results elsewhere saw Redditch’s Men 2nds lose 2-0 to City of Birmingham 1’s and Redditch Women’s first team beaten 4-1 by local rivals Bromsgrove 2nds.
Late cancellations by the opposition left both the Women’s 2nds and Badgers teams without a game.
