REDDITCH United Ladies completed the first part of a potential West Midlands Regional League Division One South double with a fully deserved 5-2 cup final victory over title rivals Coventry Sphinx on Sunday.
Gary Barrell’s Reds made a positive start to the final at Wellbeing Park in Stone, Staffordshire, but fell behind on seven minutes to a scrappy goal following a set-piece.
However, United restored parity in the 31st minute when Amy Kendall sped along the right wing before pulling the ball back for Erin Riden who showed great tenacity to fire home her fourth goal in three games.
A controversial penalty restored Sphinx’s lead on 39 minutes but Redditch remained patient and were rewarded, albeit fortuitously, when Georgia Harris’ corner sailed into the top corner of the net to make it 2-2 on the hour mark.
United took the lead for the first time five minutes later when Georgia Conway skipped past three players before finding the net just inside the far post and it was 4-2 seven minutes later when Harris thumped home from the edge of the box after excellent passing between Maisie Farr, Samantha Hanna and Ellie Gerhold.
Harris then claimed her first hat-trick for the Reds with a thumping strike from close range to put the outcome beyond doubt on 83 minutes.
Redditch now turn their attentions to the remaining three games of their Division One South league campaign as they seek the maximum points haul which will guarantee the title.
First up is Sunday’s visit to bottom side Coventry City FC Development before successive crunch fixtures against Sphinx (home on May 13, away on May 20) complete the season.
The Reds are currently second – four points behind leaders Gornal with two games in hand – with Sphinx in third, a further two points back but with a game in hand on Barrell’s side.
