Runcorn FC Halton 0

Redditch United 1

REDS winger Simon Hollis ensured the Reds got off to their first win of the new Nationwide North with a stunning strike at the 14,500 all seater Halton Stadium.

The United winger, who joined the Reds in the summer, netted a 65-minute half-volleyed winner from 25-yards to continue the form where Redditch left off last season.

And after a nervy opening it could have been more for the Reds as they bossed the Cheshire side from the whistle.

Reds keeper Richard Anstiss rushed from his line and clattered Runcorn striker Nicky Young earning him a yellow after just five minutes.

Six minutes later Scott Voice was in the ref's book for his challenge on Tom Spearitt.

But it wasn't long before the shots rained in on Tony McMillan in the Runcorn goal including a decent go from the halfway line by new boy Paul Moore after 37 minutes.

The Reds should have made sure of a goal cushion in injury time but an amazing double save by McMillan in the Runcorn net denied first Moore and then Hollis.

After the break, Runcorn came close to taking the lead before the hour but Luke Prince headed off the line and the pressure continued after the Reds had taken the lead.

A header from Ged Courtney has palmed away by Anstiss but only as far as Davis Ness who missed a sitter from three yards with six minutes to go.

Redditch United: Richard Anstiss, Matt Clarke, Neil Manton, Matty Gardiner, Gary Knight, Sean Flynn, Simon Hollis (Jordan King 76), Mark Taylor, Scott Voice (Richard Leadbeater 75), Paul Moore (Craig Woodley 88), Luke Prince. Subs not used: Danny Scheppel, Rob Taylor.