Redolence coast to victory

Report

With the season reaching its climax, and the big cup final 7 days away, Redolence were back in action for a midweek match against rivals Redditch Town. With 180 minutes of football between them and the final there is still plenty of time to stake a claim to be in the first eleven, and this was reflected in another bumper squad of 16 turning up. Redolence have more options than your average league team, and Scott opted to start with Jon in goal, Randle, Crouch, Afro and the returning Ash (from injury) in defence; Jonesy, Jord, Luka and the returning Si (from suspension) in midfield; with Ry and Ash up front. Redditch Town were clearly struggling to field a side for an early evening kick off, and started with 10 players

First half

The first half hour was…..uneventful, and dare I say a bit casual, so this section of the report shall reflect that. The weather was cool, overcast and breezy- the rain of the previous days only slightly softening the pitch, which was nice and green and playing better than the previous weeks. Redditch Town eventually got an 11th man, and some members of Redolence’s cup final opponents turned up on a what was a thoroughly wasted scouting mission….hopefully they got home in time for Hollyoaks. Phil Penny was on hand to drink beer and advise Scott…..he’s shaved off his hair, but brought a hat to keep his head warm. Jonesy won a good header, I’d say one of his best ever headers, but it didn’t lead to much. Jord was being industrious in the middle, Crouch was aggressive with Town striker Chris Adams, and Ash stuck up for him by kicking Crouchy. Aside from that….very little happened.

The game sprung to life on 30 minutes, Ash showing the value of endeavour by winning the ball out wide and squaring to Spros, who struck a sweet left foot across the keeper into the far corner from the edge of the area. (GOAL Redolence. 30 mins. Sproston Assist Ash). Neither side was spurned on by this but Redolence continued to play the tidier football. Randle at RB was playing the ball confidently and giving Jonesy some good service, and a resultant corner saw an effort from Spros well cleared off the line. Scott made several changes, keen to give everyone a chance to impress, and Andy Seager came on. His first action was to stop Chris Adams, who he floored impressively….Adams was like a bird flying into a glass window! Andy had achieved in 10 seconds what his brother had not in 30 minutes, and he then went on to score. Bullying the last defender and dispossessing him before driving the ball home at the near post. (GOAL Redolence 2-0. Andy Soager 40 minutes). Redolence went in at half time in command of a very scrappy game

HT: 2-0

A good score line from a strange game, that was open but scrappy…no one really shining for either side. The second half started with the next goal being important, and it was Redolence who got it. Lewis broke well down the left and cut into the 18 yard box, opted not to square to Tim and took the shot on. The keeper spilled it into the path of Woody, who was lurking in the box to poach his 6th of the season (GOAL Redolence 3-0. Woody 50 mins Assist Billingham). At 3-0 it was game over, and Town pushed in larger numbers without creating anything of note. Jord was stressed throughout, stretched by the larger numbers in the centre, but defensively Redolence were strong and looked dangerous on the break-Tim was put through on goal by woody on one such occasion, the keeper tackling him heavily in the box and being lucky to come away without conceding a penalty. The game continued to be scrappy in the middle, with both sides conceding needless free kicks- Redolence were to take advantage from one of them- Crouchy putting a deep ball in which Andy met at the back post. He headed across goal to find Ash (Holdstock) who was well placed to head into an empty net. (GOAL Redolence 4-0. Holdstock 75 mins. Assist Andy Soager). At 4-0 the game had no intensity at all. Town were struggling without subs, and were yet to really trouble Redolence, but in true fashion a lapse at a set play gave them a consolation goal – a low corner evaded everyone to be bundled home in the centre of the goal- a disappointing goal to concede (GOAL Town 80 mins 4-1). The goal scoring wasn’t over for the day though- Redolence restored the 4 goal cushion at the end of the game- Jonesy picking out Si with a clever cross that Si took down and placed well into the far corner. It was his first game of the year where he hasn’t been sent off, and he capped it in style (GOAL Redolence 5-1 87 mins. Birkin/Kirpin/Burgin. Assist Jeynes)

Full time 5-1

On paper a really impressive result, especially based on Town’s form this season, but it was a pretty un-impressive game all round- Town were under-strength and not at the races, and Redolence won at a canter whilst also under-performing. There are positives- 5 different goal scorers across the side, attacking returns from the wingers and some solid defensive displays gives Scott plenty to think about with his selection options- and it’s never a bad thing for a side to win when playing badly. MOTM went to Randle, who was excellent at RB, his distribution was simple and effective, giving his winger plenty to work off. The squad continues to be large and filled with players with a valid claim to be in the starting eleven….it’s a difficult position for the management, but a hugely positive position for the club to be in. One more league game before the final- a lot of football to be played. Based on tonight’s performance, everyone has their position to play for and a result against Cross will be the best way for the lads to impress.

FT SCC Redolence 5 - 1 Redditch Town
75 SCC Redolence 5 - 1 Redditch Town (Birkin, assist Jeynes)
65 SCC Redolence 4 - 1 Redditch Town
55 SCC Redolence 4 - 0 Redditch Town (Holdstock, assist A.Seager)
50 SCC Redolence 3 - 0 Redditch Town (Wood, assist Billingham)
HT SCC Redolence 2 - 0 Redditch Town
40 SCC Redolence 2 - 0 Redditch Town (A.Seager)
25 SCC Redolence 1 - 0 Redditch Town (Sproston, assist Atkinson)
KO SCC Redolence 0 - 0 Redditch Town