Redolence outsmart Cross

Report

A rejuvenated Redolence were back in cup action against BSA cup semi-final opponents Redditch Cross. Cross beat Redolence only a few weeks back, and that massive disappointment was one the lads were looking to bounce back from to cement their return to form. Crouchy was out due to illness, so woody donned the armband. Ant was forced back into CB with Jord also absent, meaning Randle, Ant, Kieran and Max made a slightly makeshift back 4. Bowen filled the slot left by Ant, with Tim bringing in new signing Matt Parsons onto the bench.

The change in attitude by the lads was immediately apparent, with Redolence enjoying the early running’s- woody and Jonesy with some smart interplay keeping cross pinned and almost teeing up Tim. The injury hit Redolence lost another player early on, with Luka twisting his ankle terribly- Stu coming onto LM. Losing Luka upset the balance in midfield and at the back, and both sides were fairly evenly matched but quiet in front of goal. Phil, tasked with man marking Cross’s main attacking threat, was doing a fine job of keeping Cross limited. Randle made an excellent goal line clearance to deny them their best chance of scoring off a corner. Bowen made way for Matt P to make his debut, and Redolence pushed on, their reward was immediate- woody charged down a ball on the edge of the box that fell to Matt who struck a sweet strike from 20 yards that swerved in beautifully. Redolence were 1-0 up….and it rocked Cross, who were being well marshalled at the back but still threatening to get through with their pace. The half was evenly contested but Redolence were efficient in counter attack, with Woody and Matt continually distributing the ball out wide to good effect. One such break gave redolence the lead- a rushed keeper clearance fell to Tim Lees, who sand-wedged the ball towards goal from 35 yards. It was high, handsome, and remarkably dropped in perfectly- a wonderful bit of judgement from the inform Lees, who sent Redolence in 2-0 up

HT: 2-0

Redolence were well up, but the score was a little flattering- there was plenty of work to do. This was doubly so 5 minutes in as Cross came out the blocks quickly- a routine long throw was flicked onto the path of their winger who finished well. Game on. Redolence didn’t panic though, and were creating plenty- woody and phil were again putting the miles in to get the midfield battle won and it was working. Cross went for broke and put more men forward, but Redolence stood strong despite some scares. The lads needed a goal, and they got one through the captain…a break down the right saw Jonesy wriggle free in cross in, and Woody stuck a boot out ahead of his man to fire in a vital goal and give the boys breathing space- his first of the season meaning his goal target for the season was achieved. With the weight lifted, Redolence had the confidence to close the game out, via a few hastily cleared corners and hand ball appeals. The bitter 2-0 defeat was avenged, and Redolence continued to build on their new found form

FT 3-1

Another excellent result. The difference in 2 weeks is remarkable. Confident, committed, supremely fit and hard working, Redolence look a side who can suddenly give anyone a game. The midfield once again did the damage- Phil was an unsung hero, shackling his man and therefore stopping Cross’s main attacking threat. Woody appears to be in inspired form, Jonesy finally bagged a clean assist, and Ant did a solid job stepping into Crouchy’s boots at CB. Things continue to look up for the boys