MCKENZIE KARAS bagged the only goal of the game to guide Redditch United Ladies to a 1-0 victory at Coventry Development on Sunday.
The win maintained the Reds’ outside West Midlands League Division One South title hopes, although the possibility remains that a top two finish – already guaranteed – could yet secure promotion for Gary Barrell’s side.
Victory was no formality for United against an organised and competitive Coventry side whose small pitch with an uneven surface is not conducive to free-flowing football.
The key moment arrived shortly before half time when Lauren Pearson won a free kick around 25 yards from goal and up stepped American Karas to fire a fierce strike which the home keeper could only palm on to the bar and in.
It was a deserved interval lead for the visitors who, despite the hard fought nature of the game, were largely dominant thanks to the composure of Hollie Congrave and the tenacity of Kellie Smith in central midfield.
The duo looked to combine with the wide play of Katie Edwards and Lucy Dovey to set the tempo of the game, whilst up top the clever movement of Sofi Liperis and driving runs of Ellie Gerhold led to opportunities that were not taken.
At the other end, Coventry’s best chance of scoring always looked likely to be from a set piece, but United keeper Kirsty Grigg and Karas, Sarah Kennedy, player of the match Amy Kendall and Pearson stood firm.
Redditch remained on top in the second half but, with the wind behind them, played a number of through balls which carried just too far.
Goalscoring chances were at a premium with the visitors content to soak up pressure and play on the break.
Sam Tayler impressed at centre back after coming on, whilst the workrate of Rebecca Gwilliam up top and the composure of Emma Shelton playing between the lines proved vital.
Boss Barrell described the victory as a “mature and professional performance” and will hope for more of the same when United complete their league campaign at Solihull United on April 9, knowing a win will keep their title hopes alive.
The two sides will then do battle again on Sunday, April 30 in the League Cup final.
