REDDITCH United eventually overcame a stubborn Hitchin Town side to record a 2-1 win in their Southern Premier League Central season opener.

Man of the match Dan Sweeney got both goals, including a stunning free-kick 13 minutes from time to win the game as the Reds kicked-off the new campaign with all three points.

Sweeney was on hand to fire home from close range to open the scoring on 26 minutes after Hitchin failed to clear a delivery into the box.

Reds' Rahis Nabi twice hit the post in the first-half as Redditch looked to go further ahead but the score remained 1-0 at the break.

The visitors had finished the half strongly and started the second in the same manner before they drew level through Luke Brown in the 50th minute.

Neither side settled for the point and both went for the win. Hitchin were looking threatening on the counter-attack whilst Redditch still created chances.

The winner came in the 77th minute when Sweeney was brought down by the defender.

He dusted himself off before dispatching it into the top corner from just outside the box, which sparked a frantic final 10 minutes.

But United held on, just about, to earn a deserved victory at The Trico.