Redditch United (2) 3

Cirencester Town (0) 0

TWO stunning strikes by Paul Danks and a debut goal for Krystof Kotylo ensured Redditch ended their eight-game run without a league win.

After just 90 seconds Reds' leading scorer Nicky Cross was left with an open goal after Richard Field headed a long punt into his path but Cross failed to connect with the ball as Cirencester keeper Kevin Sawyer went walkabout.

It was Redditch's turn to sweat just two minutes later when Dave Adey's weak clearance went straight to Phil Corcoran, who whipped in a cross to Gary Marshall but his goal-bound header was smothered by Adey as he made amends for his error.

Reds began to dominate the play and only a deliberate foul by Sawyer on the edge of his penalty area denied Danks an opportunity on goal. The keeper was lucky not to be booked and then relieved as Dominic Reece's 18-yard strike went wide.

Cirencester were dealt a blow in the 16th minute when Corcoran was forced out of the game following a clash of heads with Pete Barry.

It virtually ended the visitors' potency in front of goal but they did carve out a chance eight minutes later, but Adey was equal to Scott Griffin's header.

A minute later Reds took the lead when Adey pumped forward a free kick from deep inside his own half, which was chested down by Cross to Danks, who struck a fierce volley past Sawyer from 15 yards.

The game lost its tempo until a heated end to the half when Adam Nicholls, returning to the side following suspension, was kicked in the leg in an off the ball incident, which went unnoticed by the officials. But Redditch exacted their own punishment when Kotylo pounced to score from close range after Danks' initial effort from Cross's cross was saved by Sawyer.

The re-start saw a bad-tempered opening 15 minutes resulting in four cautions, one for Redditch, three for Cirencester, plus a brawl involving both sets of players.

Once the match had calmed down, Reds continued pushing for a third goal to ensure victory while repelling what attacks Cirencester could manage.

Danks went close on 70 minutes when his effort from the edge of the box was turned round the post by Sawyer. Danks was denied again by Sawyer nine minutes later when put through by Field.

But the livewire striker doubled his tally two minutes from time when the ball rebounded to him as he tried to put Kotylo away, allowing Danks to run at the defence before powerfully striking home his 10th goal of the season beyond a helpless Sawyer.

Redditch: Adey, Manton, Reece, Barry, Pugh, Williams (P Moore 83), Field, Nicholls (M Smith 45), Cross (Bennett 75), Danks, Kotylo.

Booked: Field, Manton, Reece

Attendance: 212

Man of the match: Danks