Redditch United 7 Stourbridge 0

STRIKER Paul Danks notched a hat-trick against his former club as the Reds stormed to victory at the Valley Stadium.

But it could have been so different had the visitors not missed three golden chances in the opening 10 minutes, Leon Blake firing wide before Reds keeper Dave Adey saved well from skipper Paul Corder and defender Lee Darlaston.

After being pinned in their own half for a the opening spell, Redditch broke clear and, with their first attack of the game, Danks gave them an 11th- minute lead, latching onto an Ian Bennett pass before placing his shot beneath keeper Darren Alden.

A Danks header on 16 minutes and a chipped effort from Paul Moore, another former Stourbridge favourite, seven minutes later put Redditch in control and it came as no surprise when Bennett added a fourth before the break.

Danks completed his hat-trick nine minutes into the second half from the penalty spot, having been sent tumbling by Darlaston.

Reds were awarded another penalty seven minutes from time, Bennett firing home following a foul on skipper Martin Myers.

Nicky Cross headed the home side's seventh two minutes later following an excellent build-up involving Bennett and Myers.

Mangotsfield Town 2 Redditch United 3

REDS played the Dr Martens Western Division newcomers Mangotsfield in a friendly arranged before their promotion and consequently, United were a bit cagey about who they fielded.

Redditch went 1-0 up thanks to an own goal before half-time and put six substitutes on at the start of the second half.

Five minutes after the break, Redditch increased their lead thanks to a 25-yard strike by Nicky Cross

But Mangotsfield got back into the game when Redditch were caught square at the back and the Mangotsfield player had an unchallenged run at goal, which keeper Adey could do nothing about.

A disputed goal brought the match level when the ball came across from the right, hit the inside of the post and bounced straight into Adey's arms and the linesman decided it had crossed the line.

Paul Danks then came on for the last 10 minutes and scored the winner.

Assistant manager Larry Chambers said: "Pre-season is going very well and all the players have applied themselves tremendously.

"However, pre-season results count for nothing and the players have to keep their feet on the ground."

l There is still nothing concrete on left back Dominic Reece, who had a loan spell with the Reds last year.

Manager Rob Smith said: "We are in discussions."

Redditch's game against Feckenham on Tuesday night was called off and will now take place on Thursday, August 10.

Smith's side are next in action on Sunday, August 6, when they travel to Baldock Town (ko 1pm) before playing host to Midland Combination side Marconi on Tuesday, August 8 (ko 7.30pm).