REDDITCH slipped to just one place below the likely relegation zone after a crushing defeat at home to high-flying Fordhouses at the weekend.

The hosts, taking first innings, were given a decent start by Dan Friedrich with 27 and Alan Houghton 11 and then Richard Stokes with 21 saw the score to 70.

There then followed a dramatic collapse which saw Redditch dismissed for 100 with only Tim Piper, 11 not out, making any impact. This was another poor batting display against a keen Fordhouses display.

In reply, Fordhouses lost an early wicket and despite Dan Friedrich taking 2-48 and Nev Mason 1-28 the visitors eased to victory by 7 wickets in 29.3 overs.

Another defeat leaves the Birmingham Road side eighth, 20 points behind sixth placed Bridgnorth.

The top six from each of Divisions Two East and West will be merged into a new Division Two next season with the remaining clubs becoming Division Three.

But Redditch skipper Nev Mason will be concerned about the position below his side with a good chance there will be four teams relegated from Two west at the end of the season.

Fourth from bottom Penkridge are just one place and 28 points adrift of Redditch and all four teams below Mason's men picked up more points on Saturday.

There are a nominal three teams relegated from the division unless both teams relegated from Division One drop into Redditch's division.

That scenario would see four teams cut from Two West and with Western sides Worcester and Aston Unity propping up the first division, Redditch must aim to finish at least fifth from bottom to avoid an unthinkable return to the Crusader Worcestershire County League.

Mason's men can help haul themselves to safety with Saturday's trip to mid-table Pelsall (1pm start).