Solihull Borough (1) 2 Redditch United (1) 2

SUBSTITITE Nicky Cross came off the bench to score Redditch's second goal and prevent his former club taking all three points.

It was no less than the Reds deserved against their tenants as they battled back from 2-1 after taking an early lead.

Surprisingly, both sides carved out an enjoyable game on the heavy Valley Stadium pitch which survived an inspection an hour before kick-off.

Ricky Marshall missed a glorious chance to give Boro the lead after four minutes when he scooped the ball over the Reds goal from eight yards, as the home side dominated the early exchanges.

But it was Redditch who took the lead after 13 minutes when Matt Pugh scored his first for the Reds since rejoining the club last month.

It was a stunning strike from the edge of the Boro penalty area by the centre back as he latched onto a goal line clearance from a Micky Moore header.

Solihull continued to look dangerous and twice Dave Adey had to be alert as Simon Hollis and Ian Mitchell both looked to equalise, while Marshall was guilty of missing from close range after being left unmarked by the Reds defence.

But Boro got their reward four minutes before half-time when a strong run down the right flank by Nigel Brown saw him deliver the perfect cross for Darren Shaw who headed home at the far post.

Solihull took the lead two minutes after the re-start in bizarre circumstances from a corner which was won after a superb fingertip save by Adey saw him push Brown's 30-yard equally superb free kick round the post.

But there was little Adey could do when the resulting in-swinging corner hit Pete Barry and looped high into the back of the net.

Solihull attempted to increase their lead and make amends for the 4-2 defeat at New Year and were unfortunate not to do so as Shaw and Hollis, twice, both went close.

But their misses proved costly as, with 10 minutes remaining, Cross collected the ball from Danks following excellent work down the left, to skip past keeper Richard Anstiss and hit home from a tight angle to level.

In the final minutes both sides were indebted to their keepers as Adey saved at his near post from Hollis, while Anstiss denied substitute Mark Smith to ensure both sides shared the spoils.

Redditch: Adey, P Moore (Manton 65), Reece, Barry (Smith 76), Pugh, Williams, Field, Nicholls, M Moore (Cross 61), Danks, Bennett.

Booked: Reece, Barry, Cross

Attendance: 193

Man of the match: Pugh