LOUIS KEEPS GENERALS IN THE HUNT

A GOAL in each half gave Chesham victory over mid-table Redditch.

Both goalkeepers were tested early on, Redditch’s Ethan Ross reacting sharply to deny Dave Pearce, then at the other end Hafed Al-Droubi tipped Ashley Sammons’ shot round the post.

The Generals took the lead in the 18th minute when Jefferson Louis headed in from Oran Swales’ cross.

Chesham could have added to their lead before half-time when Lewis Toomey squared but Louis missed his kick, then Toomey shot wildly over after good work by Swales.

For Redditch, Jordan Mills went on a fine solo run into the area but could only shoot tamely straight at Al-Droubi when in on goal.

Chesham had further chances early in the second half, Toomey being denied twice in quick succession then heading over from a Dave Pearce cross.

Redditch pushed forward in search of an equaliser but lacked a cutting edge up front and Al-Droubi was rarely tested.

Midway through the half Swales twice came close for Chesham, but each time his shot went wide with the aid of a deflection.

As the game moved into stoppage time Chesham sealed the win when Ravi Shamsi’s low cross was turned home by fellow substitute Shane Bush.

The win keeps Chesham’s slim play-off hopes alive, moving them to within nine points of fifth-placed Slough ahead of the two teams’ clash on Easter Monday at Arbour Park.