Droylsden 2 Redditch United 1

TWO goals in five minutes just before half-time ensured Redditch returned home from Tameside empty-handed.

And manager Gary Whild could have few complaints as their hosts dominated the second half and could have won by a more convincing margin.

The diminutive Chris Murphy was handed the role of lone striker and the ploy looked to be working early on.

Robbie Taylor won an early corner following a typically mazy run before Simon Hollis forced home keeper Paul Phillips into action to keep out a 30-yard free-kick.

And Redditch's early promise was rewarded on 20 minutes when a pin-point Hollis cross from the right found Murphy whose angled header flew into the back of the net.

Droylsden's Terry Fearns saw an effort cleared by Asa Charlton moments later but the striker was on hand to fire the equaliser home from the penalty spot on 38 minutes after the referee had spotted a push by Simon Rea.

Worse was to follow for Redditch when, with three minutes of the half to go, Carl Ruffer nipped in front of Exodus Geohaghan to head home a Gareth Morris free-kick.

The second period began with Damian Whitcombe scooping an effort over the Droylsden goal soon after the restart but the remainder of the half saw the home side launch wave upon wave of attacks in search of a decisive third goal.

Influential skipper Steve Halford had a header blocked on the line before Chris Denham and Fearns pushed efforts wide with just the keeper to bear. The final five minutes saw the United goal under siege as the Reds struggled.

Robbie Talbot headed over when unmarked 12 yards out, Jody Banim dragged an effort the wrong side of the post and Morris sent an audacious 40-yard lob just over the crossbar. And when the Droylsden strikeforce finally found their range, Reds keeper Richard Anstiss was up to the task, producing a brilliant reflex save to keep out Banim.

Reds: Anstiss 7, Petty 5, CHARLTON 8, Rea 5, Geohaghan 7, Softley 7 (Robinson 70, 6), Hollis 7, Murphy 6, Taylor 6 (Reece 86), Whitcombe 5 (Francis 61, 5), Palmer 5. Subs (not used): Knott, Willetts.

Droylsden: Phillips, Williams, Warmer, HALFORD, Ruffer, Morris, Rapley (Fitzpatrick 58), Lynch (Jagielka 76), Fearns (Talbot 83), Banim, Denham. Subs (not used): Robinson, Gibbins.

Referee: Mr RC Green (Chorley)

Forthcoming Reds Fixtures: Leigh RMI (away) Sat 3pm; Hucknall Town (home) Tuesday (7.45pm).