REDDITCH United slumped to a crushing 5-1 defeat at the hands of Birmingham City in the Birmingham Senior Cup last night.

The Nationwide Division One side were never in danger of loosening their grip on the trophy.

Manager Trevor Francis fielding a side containing seven first-team players. Former Benfica favourite Marcello led the attack with Dave Burrows and Jonathan Bass taking their places in an experienced back four.

Youngster Ross Diamond opened the scoring for the Blues on 18 minutes, his 25-yard effort taking a deflection.

Redditch skipper Adam Nicholls headed an equaliser a minute later but the visitors restored their lead when Craig Fagan netted on the half-hour.

The contest was as good as over when Marcello and Steve Robinson scored inside four minutes of the second half. Robinson - who had a loan spell with Kidderminster Harriers - rounded off an impressive display with a second goal on 68 minutes.

United's young 'keeper Mark Shiels again impressed manager Rob Smith with a number of fine saves, while at the other end Nicholls forced a fine double save from Blues 'keeper Kevin Poole.