Conference North

Hyde Utd 1 Redditch Utd 3

THREE points were just what the doctor ordered after a torrid run for Redditch United - and the players delivered with a convincing victory at fellow strugglers Hyde United.

Rod Brown's side controlled proceedings throughout and showed signs of last season's flowing passing and direct attacking on a beautiful playing surface at the Tameside Stadium.

On-loan pair, Walsall defender Scott Dann and Evesham United striker Jermaine Clarke, proved their worth and put in memorable performances on their debuts for the Reds.

It was Simon Hollis, however, who had the early opportunities causing problems for the home defence.

It was only a matter of time before the opening goal came and Craig Wilding found the net after 17 minutes when he cut in from the right and fired an angled drive past Mark Westhead.

On the half hour, Sean Flynn doubled the advantage, nodding home a Hollis cross from the right.

Clarke could have made it three before the break but his weak shot rebounded off the post.

Redditch stopper Lewis Solly was rarely troubled in the opening period and it came as little surprise when Hollis extended the advantage within two minutes of the restart. His exquisite chip from the edge of the area caught Westhead off-guard as the Reds looked to wrap up proceedings.

Nevertheless, Hyde stepped up a gear. Substitute Steve Brackenridge pulled a goal back on 54 minutes as he chipped over the sprawling Solly.

But it was always destined to be a challenge for the home side to come back into the match.

Reds were forced to defend in the closing stages, desperately at times, as the officials ruled out Neil Tolson's goal, and his drive a few minutes later was tipped over by the agile Solly.

Another effort was scooped off the line but Redditch held on for a crucial victory that saw them jump two places in the league, leap-frogging Hyde in the process.

Reds: Solly 6, Flynn 7, Charlton 6, Pearce 6, HDANN 8, Taylor 6 (Scheppel 46, 6), Hollis 7, King 6, Clarke 7 (Creighton 82), Wilding 7 (Doyle 77), Rickards 7. Sub not used: Moore

Hyde: Westhead, Adams, Caldecott, Jones, Milligan (Clee 43), Gaynor (Pearson 71), Lynch, Salt (Brackenridge 50), HTOLSON, Johnson, McNeil. Subs not used: Dean, Harrison