A COMFORTABLE victory over Bicester saw Redditch through to round three of the HA Vase as they completed their competitive schedule for the year.

The Bromsgrove Road men have been drawn away against Stroud in the next round which will take place on February 6.

Andy Brooks was once again on target for Redditch against Bicester with another fine individual goal before the visitors equalised.

After the break Richard Sellers gave the home side the lead before Robin Parker made sure of the victory.

Redditch winger, Tom Hiles, who is still recovering from injury said: "There's no reason why we can't go far in this competition all the teams are about the same level of us.

"We went to Stroud a couple of years ago so we know a bit about them I just hope if we do go on a cup run it won't distract us from our main focus this year which is the league."

And Redditch dropped more ground on the leaders after their 2-2 draw with Walsall recently.

Leaders Droitwich took a four point lead at the top of the West Midlands One while Walsall moved into the second promotion spot.

Hiles said: "We needed to win and should have really on the balance of play we had in the game.

"The turning point came with six or seven minutes to go when our captain and 'keeper Ashley Freeman handled outside the 'D' - he got a yellow and was sent from the field so Robin Parker was forced to keep goal.

"Minutes later they won a short corner and scored the equaliser from it."

And being nine points off the pace Hiles thinks it's going to be very difficult for his team-mates to bounce back.

He added: "I don't think all is lost but it's going to be very difficult for us from now on - next year we'll have to beat teams like Droitwich and Whitchurch to stand any chance of promotion this year.

"But now with players unavailable it's going to be really difficult."