Redditch United 2

Histon 3

THE Reds threw away a two-goal lead to Southern League Premier outfit Histon and exited the FA Cup at the first attempt.

The day had started so well for United after tying up Kidderminster Harriers' Scott Rickards on loan for the rest of the season.

And the afternoon seemed to be getting even better as Craig Woodley's free kick crept past Lance Key in the Histon net after good pressure from Gary Knight with just five minutes on the clock.

The visitors were on the rack in the first 20 minutes and when their leading scorer, Ian Cambridge left the field through injury on 10 minutes it seemed there would be no way back for Histon.

Just before the quarter hour mark United doubled their lead as Simon Hollis leapt above everyone to power home with his head at the far post.

And Hollis should have made it three five minutes later but the winger - one-on-one with the keeper - had his shot well saved by Key.

Histon started their comeback five minutes before the break as a period of visitors pressure ended with Colin Vowden poking home after a scramble in the Reds penalty area.

It was more of the same after the break as Neil Kennedy grabbed Histon's equaliser on 54 minutes before he shocked the Reds fans with a fine finish on 71 minutes.

Adrian Cambridge's corner was met by Jamie Barker's left boot but a wicked deflection off Neil Kennedy gave Richard Anstiss no chance at his near post.

Rod Brown rang the changes with half an hour to go and introduced Norman Sylla back to the Reds attack but not even the midweek signing could stop Histon hanging on until the final whistle.

Redditch United: Richard Anstiss, Matt Clarke, Sean Flynn, Matty Gardiner, Gary Knight, Craig Woodley, Simon Hollis (Danny Scheppel 72) Mark Taylor, Paul Edwards (Norman Sylla 64), Scott Rickards, Luke Prince (Rob Taylor 41). Subs not used: Jordan King, Richard Softley.