REDDITCH United Ladies’ 100 per cent West Midlands Regional Women’s League Division One South record was ended in their 11th game of the campaign on Sunday, but a 1-1 draw at high-flying Kidderminster Harriers was nonetheless a vital point in their hunt for the title.
The table-topping Reds’ game in hand over second placed Gornal was a tough one as third placed Harriers gave the visitors their sternest test of the league season so far, but Tia Williams’ first senior goal for the club secured a point which leaves Gary Barrell’s side four points clear with a superior goal difference with seven matches remaining.
Redditch took the lead thanks to excellent work on the left from Livvi Ashfield which set up Ellie Gerhold, whose strike was followed up by Williams to convert from close range.
Kidderminster drew level in fortuitous fashion before half time when a speculative free kick bounced awkwardly and deceived Redditch keeper Aisling Hoey on its way into the net, but on the balance of play it was a deserved equaliser.
Gerhold forced a fine save from the home keeper before Hoey made a brilliant one-on-one stop to deny Harriers, but clear chances were few and far between and United boss Barrell was content with the efforts of his side.
“This was a steep learning curve for a young Redditch side in terms of learning the realities of a derby fixture against an experienced team which will end the season well,” said Barrell.
“The Redditch side again featured just three players aged over 18 and will keep progressing as we prepare for Sunday’s (2pm) home fixture against Solihull Sporting Ladies.
“Our remaining seven league games will see a number of tough challenges ahead in what is no doubt one of the most competitive leagues in the country in terms of any team being capable of beating another.”
