REDDITCH United Ladies’ battle for the West Midlands Regional Women’s League Division One title will go to the final match of the season against fellow challengers Coventry Sphinx after the two sides drew 2-2 at the Trico Stadium on Sunday.
Gary Barrell’s League Cup South-winning Reds, who will be promoted unless they lose their final match by eight goals or more, led 2-0 at half-time but could not hold to their advantage as the visitors hit back to secure a draw which keeps two points between the sides.
The Reds are top, but third-placed Sphinx play their game in hand at fourth-placed Solihull United on Sunday knowing victory will leave them top heading into the division’s final match of the season between Sphinx and Redditch in Coventry on May 27. Gornal are currently second, but have finished their campaign.
Zoe Clarke’s fourth-minute goal put Redditch ahead and the lead was doubled on 40 minutes when player of the match Grace Harris netted her maiden goal for the club in only her second senior appearance for any side.
Fine keeping from the Sphinx stopper and last-ditch defending from the Reds’ Sian Cousins and Maisie Farr ensured there were no further goals at either end until the visitors did get on the scoresheet with a long-range strike.
A free-kick then sailed into the net to make it 2-2 and, despite further chances at both ends, the match ended in a deserved draw which leaves both sides with their title fate in their own hands.
A title triumph would be the icing on the cake of a superb season for the Reds, who reached the first round proper of the Women’s FA Cup and last four of the Birmingham FA Women’s County Cup.
