AN IMPRESSIVE second half performance guided Redditch to a 4-1 victory at Solihull Blossomfield which maintained second place in the West Midlands Premier Division.
The Kingfishers were wary of their lowly opposition who just seven days earlier had done Redditch a big favour by defeating promotion rivals Barford Tigers 2nds 3-0.
The visitors’ caution proved to be spot on as, despite taking the lead when Harry Williams finished a fine team move from close range, Bloss then levelled from a penalty corner to go into half-time at 1-1.
After the break, Redditch made better use of their wide players and seemed more comfortable in possession and Pete Dawson and Harry Williams both hit the post before Redditch regained the lead following good build-up play involving Dawson and Jacob Beard which set up Williams to tap in from close range for his second goal of the game and sixth of the season.
Beard scored the third Redditch goal with an excellent turn and shot from the top of the scoring D for his 17th of the season and the scoring was completed with a few minutes remaining when a trademark Andy Billingham penalty corner was deflected home by Redditch skipper Adrian Young for his third of the season.
With seven matches remaining, Redditch are eight points behind leaders Cannock and two above third-placed Barford Tigers 2nds. Redditch host Worcester 2nds on Saturday.
REDDITCH 2NDS came back from a goal down to defeat visitors Solihull Blossomfield 2nds 3-1, but the 3rds were beaten 8-0 at leaders Stourport 4ths despite a superb display by young keeper Aaron Hunt.
Redditch Ladies 2nds never surrendered but were also beaten 8-0 by table-topping visitors Wyre Forest Ladies, for whom the bulk of their goals were scored by a former national league player.
Holly Hancocks remained calm and level-headed in defence for Redditch and was named their player of the match for her efforts.
The defeat dropped Redditch from fourth to sixth, but they will bid to climb the Worcestershire Women’s Hockey League Division Three table with more winnable fixtures over the coming weeks.
