REDS manager Matt Clarke has re-iterated the importance of the upcoming clash with Bromsgrove Sporting in the Red Recruitment Trophy – the first to be played at the Trico Stadium since the return of fans – when the two sides resume their rivalry on Saturday.
The reincarnated tournament, which was initially pencilled in for the festive period but now serves as an end-of-season showpiece, will see United attempt to see off their 2020/21 campaign in style.
With a string of recent warm-up wins in the past week against Malvern Town, Bewdley Town and Halesowen Town – the latter of which was played most recently in midweek – Clarke’s men appear to be in fighting shape for what will be the first-ever meeting with Sporting on home soil since their rebirth from the now-defunct Bromsgrove Rovers.
For the Reds manager, the encounter still proves a tantalising prospect regardless of not being an official fixture.
“Although there’s not much on the game, it’s still a local derby against your rivals – be it a pre-season game or a friendly – you’ve still got that buzz and I’m sure everyone will be looking forward to it,” Clarke said.
“[In the previous encounter] I thought we were absolutely outstanding in that first half and would have had no complaints if we’d have gone in three or four goals up at half-time.
“But we didn’t take our chances against ten men, and in the second half we were punished before going down to ten as well.
“There was always going to be a bit of bite in the derby – so hopefully we can turn things around against them and get a win on Saturday.”
Tickets for the Sporting clash can be purchased at redditchunitedfc.ktckts.com, with prices ranging from £11 for adults, £7 for concessions and £5 for under-18’s – while 2020/21 season tickets holders and under-12’s can attend for free.
The following week, the Reds conclude their season away at Lye Meadow in the final match in the Trophy against Alvechurch.
