REDDITCH produced a battling display to earn a 3-3 draw against visitors Stafford in their West Midlands Division One opener on Saturday.
The Kingfishers made a woeful start as a series of mistakes were made and capitalised on by Stafford who gleefully moved into a 3-0 lead inside 25 minutes.
The hosts finally woke from their slumber and reduced their arrears when a solid interception in defence by Andy Billingham started a move which was brilliantly finished on the reverse stick by Jacob Beard after some silky individual skills in the build-up.
Stern words from coach Wayne Beard at half-time seemed to help as within 60 seconds of the restart Redditch had an opportunity from close range, but it was missed.
However, this was followed by a fine team move in which Beard again displayed good skills to beat players in the shooting circle before laying off to Dan Waite to fire home from close range to make it 3-2.
Redditch played with ten men for several passages of play during the second half because of yellow cards but eventually a straight shot by Chris Thomas from a short corner was enough to bring the hosts level.
Redditch ended the game as the dominant force but ran out of time in their search for a winner. A trip to Stourport 2nds awaits on Saturday.
Redditch 2nds were beaten 6-0 at Worcester 3rds in South West Premier, but there was a better display from the promoted 3rds at home to Sutton Coldfield 4ths in South West Two despite a 4-1 defeat.
Clinical finishing from Sutton’s centre-forward, who struck four times, proved the difference but there was much to build on for a Redditch side who created many chances.
Luke Baker converted a penalty corner with a firm, dipping strike to get Redditch on the scoresheet. A visit to Bridgnorth 3rds is next up on Saturday.
A 3-0 defeat at Bromsgrove 5ths was harsh on Redditch 4ths in South West Four.
The match was evenly contested and young Badgers players Ethan Smith and Connor Vaughan impressed after stepping up, with Smith nearly scoring and Vaughan making two superb saves. Finchfield 5ths are the visitors on Saturday.
Redditch Badgers got their league season off to a fantastic start with a 3-0 win over Kings Heath.
Lochlann Mitchell converted two penalty corners in quick succession in the first half before Eathan Wedgbury’s powerful finish put the outcome beyond doubt in the second period.
