Redditch United 1 Bloxwich United 1

AFTER building up expectations in Tuesday's 5-1 demolition of Rocester, the Reds were back to their frustrating worst at the Valley.

Once again it was a case of being consistently inconsistent, poor opposition or no, Rocester came up against a side in championship form four days earlier and Bloxwich United should have been lambs to the slaughter.

Formed in the close season by merging Blakenall and Bloxwich United, the new club are starpped for cash, relying on players from the Express & Star league and kicked off the season with two heavy defeats.

But they took a shock lead 26 seconds into this match with Lee Ross scoring a simple goal.

Despite huffing and puffing Redditch could offer nothing in response apart from a scuffed Mark Swann effort.

Things improved after the break with Redditch player-boss Nicky Cross changing from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 but despite several chances, a Neil Beagan effort nine minutes from time earned a point but little satisfaction.