CIRENCESTER T 2 REDDITCH U 1

CIRENCESTER TOWN got off to the perfect start en route to securing an important victory over Redditch United in their battle for survival.

The Centurions made an explosive start when Dan Demkiv blasted home a powerful 30-yard shot inside ten seconds.

Aidan Bennett then lashed wide two opportunities as the hosts started encouragingly.

The visitors’ first chance fell to Donnell Benjamin, who fired in a close-range shot which was excellently saved by Glyn Garner, before Reds centre-back Duane Courtney headed wide from a corner. Alan Griffin then drilled an effort wide of the post for the hosts.

The second half started with controversy as both sides were reduced to ten men when Bennett and Courtney clashed.

Cirencester came close soon after with Griffin shooting straight at Redditch keeper Bradley Catlow.

Reds manager Darren Byfield then felt aggrieved when Hafeez Sanusi went down in the box, but the visitors’ protests were waved away by the referee.

But Redditch found a lifeline with 20 minutes to go when Dior Angus netted a header into far corner.