Reds make the cut with vital win

REDDITCH UNITED 3 NEEDHAM MARKET 0

REDDITCH United cruised past champions Needham Market to seal a play-off semi-final at Leamington on Wednesday night.

It was a vital victory in the end with Leamington, Mickleover and Stratford Town all winning, meaning any dropped points would have seen the Reds lose a place in the end-of-season shootout on the final day.

There was an early scare for the hosts, Luke Ingram finding Adam Mills to fire a fraction wide within the opening three minutes, but there was little to concern United once Aram Soleman had plundered the home side’s 10th-minute opener from Johnny Johnston’s fine run and cross.

The Marketmen saw plenty of the ball but speculative efforts from distance by Hugh Cullum and Kyle Hammond were little trouble to home keeper Adam Harrison.

It was two just past the half-hour mark with captain Reece Flanagan cutting inside to fire in a classy finish, and while there was pressure to withstand early in the second half, Needham lacked punch in the final third.

Redditch went close to wrapping up the points when Alex Cameron forced a strong stop from Marcus Garnham but the game was up with nine minutes to go, Flanagan teeing up Brad Burton to larrup into the bottom corner and seal the deal.

STAR MAN: Reece Flanagan (Redditch)

ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★☆☆