Redditch United were aiming to progress to the next round of the Southern League Challenge Cup as they faced Merthyr.

After a good performance just two days ago, Redditch were hoping to build some momentum at home once again as they welcomed Merthyr Town to The Trico writes Tia Duckworth.

It was a strong start from the shuffled Reds side, as they dominated with chance creation. A huge opportunity was created as Callum Niven pressed relentlessly and caused Merthyr an issue as a backpass couldn’t be picked up.

The goalkeeper, Jaimie Cogman, headed it down into the path of Kayden May who cut onto his left and curled an effort low into the bottom left corner but a brilliant headed save from Daniel Barnard kept the score level.

A couple of minutes later, in the 16th minute, Djurovic got forward and tried a curling effort that was just wide. The Reds continued their dominant pressure, finding joy on the width of the pitch. Curtis Hutson attempted a near-post effort outside the box but Jaimie Cogman met it well.

The Reds pressure finally paid off. Curtis Hutson was taken out just beyond the semi-circle, Luke Rowe took the freekick and it deflected off the wall, looping into the left of the goal.

The biggest chance for Merthyr came along in the 41st minute, as Morgan Clarke did well down the left hand side and released a venomous shot that Max Harris got a strong hand to and palmed away for a corner. The half time whistle blew, giving The Reds a half time advantage.

Merthyr improved on their first half performance and they had the ball in the back of the net in the 60th minute, but it was flagged for offside.

Two minutes later and Curtis Hutson used his quick feet to get down the right, past three defenders and his cross was met by Niven, who saw his header just wide.

Redditch doubled their lead in the 81st minute as Kieran Day won the ball back, played it to Cullum Allchurch who played a brilliant through ball to set up the substituted Dan Sweeney. He made no mistake in getting on the end of the ball and slotted past Cogman into the bottom right corner.

Kayden May, Man of the Match, had two brilliant chances to get a third for The Reds side. The first was well saved by Cogman, the second was some great movement from him to beat the offside line, but his shot was wide of the post.

Merthyr got a goal back with 5 minutes to go as Redditch failed to clear a corner after miscommunication, and Thomas Hillman headed beyond Harris to give the Welsh side some hope.

However, Redditch saw out the game by being resolute and kept the ball the other side of the pitch as they earnt their progression into the next round of the cup!

Next up for The Reds is a third home game on the bounce, as they host Barwell this coming Saturday, 18th of September.

Report from Redditch United