REDDITCH UNITED 1 (1) Tiverton Town 2 (1)

ROB Smith was left scratching his head on Saturday wondering what his side must do to get back on the winning trail.

Two cruel blows in each half saw Redditch's search for a victory stretch to six games.

But it all started so brightly for the Reds as their self-imposed goal famine of more than 400 minutes ended in the 12th minute with Paul Moore showing a cool head in front of goal after benefiting from Nicky Cross's excellent through ball.

Reds continued to press for a second as they showed the passion and commitment lacking in recent weeks, which has cost them a chance of promotion.

Micky Moore had a great chance to double the lead on 23 minutes when put in the clear from a free kick and was only denied by Tiverton keeper Paul Edwards, who pulled off a stunning save.

It proved crucial as four minutes later Reds found themselves level. An error by the dependable Tommy Byrne on the edge of his own area saw the ball carry to Tivvy's Kevin Nancekivell, whose good fortune continued when his blocked effort looped over a despairing Dave Adey and into the net.

Both defences were guilty of unforced errors ensuring both keepers had to be on their toes, as Edwards saved smartly from Paul Danks and Adey from Pete Varley.

Adey was again called to the fore four minutes after the break, saving from Nancekivell after Scott Rogers' headed flick put him clear.

Reds were next to go close as Mark Smith was denied his first league goal of campaign when his sweetly struck 25-yard volley clipped the top of the Tiverton goal, with Edwards beaten.

It summed up Redditch's day, as mid-way through the half Tiverton's luck continued as Dominic Richardson's tame 30-yard drive deflected past a wrong-footed Adey, Scott Rogers getting the final touch.

Reds pushed for an equaliser and substitute Ian Bennett came close grabbing a share of the spoils on his home debut with an acrobatic overhead kick, but Edwards continued his match-winning performance with a fine finger-tip save.

Redditch: Adey, P Moore, M Smith, Barry, Manton, Byrne, Field, Williams, Cross (Bennett 73), Danks. Unused subs: West, R Smith.

Booked: Byrne, Adey, Cross

Attendance: 296

Man of the match: Mark Smith