WORCESTER City’s hopes of defending the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup were shattered by Redditch United in a dire display at Walshes Meadow.

Devoid of composure, creativity and a clinical edge, Worcester rarely troubled their Evo-Stik Southern Premier League opponents, who ran out deserved 2-0 winners.

The Reds opened the scoring on the hour mark when Danico Johnson smashed the ball through Raajan Gill’s hands.

The former Tamworth keeper, who was making his debut for City, conceded another 12 minutes later when Javea Roberts headed home from close range.

Redditch will now face either Kidderminster Harriers or Evesham United in Saturday’s final while manager Carl Heeley has been left with plenty to ponder before the Vanarama National League North campaign gets underway in just over two weeks time.

After suffering a 5-1 trouncing at the hands of Aston Villa last Saturday, City reverted to three at the back, with Tyler Weir and Junior English deployed as wing backs.

But the duo did not even get a sniff in the opening stages as Worcester struggled to find their feet in baking hot conditions.

After a sluggish start, City did pick up and went closest to scoring on 18 minutes when Graham Hutchison, who was captaining the side, headed wide.

Worcester handed trialist Gill the gloves, but the stopper had very little to do other than racing out to snatch the ball from the onrushing Jason Cowley in the first 30 minutes.

The striker was Redditch’s brightest spark and he was soon presented with another opportunity after Hutchison was beaten in the air. But he sent his attempted lob high and wide.

Gills had his first save to make on 35 minutes when he palmed away Eli Bako’s free-kick before City put together their best spell of the half.

Hutchison headed over Matt Birley’s corner before former West Bromwich Albion front-man Lee Hughes twice had a clear sight of goal.

After having his first attempt was blocked, Edji Mbunga and Birley combined only for Hughes’ to shoot straight at Bradley Catlow.

Looking to unlock City’s defence, Redditch brought former Birmingham City and Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison on at half-time.

But it was fellow replacement Johnson who did the damage as he fired wide after collecting Jordan Jones’ long ball.

The attacker then broke the deadlock as he received Morrison’s pass before unleashing a powerful shot which proved too hot for Gill to handle.

The Reds almost got another moments later as the ball found its way through to Morrison in the area, but Gill was equal to his effort.

Former Sheffield United youngster Mickael Partodikromo looked dangerous when he came off the bench for City.

But Redditch were sharper in attack and they added a second on 72 minutes. After sprinting to the byline, Bako cut the ball inside for Morrison who delivered a well-weighted cross for Roberts to head home at the back post.

Facing a 2-0 deficit, City were staring down the barrel at a chastening defeat and they did little to turn the tide in the remaining minutes.

Kyle Perry went wide with a header late on, but Redditch looked at ease as they saw out a comfortable victory.

Worcester City: Gill 5; Gallinagh 5 (Jackman 20, 5), Hutchison 6, Sharpe 6 (Partodikromo 58, 6); Weir 6, Williams 5, Gater 6, English 5; Mbunga 5, Birley 5 (Perry 68, 5), Hughes 5.

Subs not used: Connell, Geddes, Morris, Steele