The Southern League Central got underway for Redditch United away to Hednesford Town.

The Red's first real chance of the game came in the 12th minute as Nesbitt saw his shot palmed away and cleared before an onrushing Smith could get there.

The Pitmen had their first opportunity a few minutes later after Cuff headed over the bar following a cross from the right-hand side.

Hednesford then took a grasp of the game as they controlled possession and threatened down either flank.

A shot from O’Sullivan at the half-hour mark was saved down low to Boucher’s right and his near post.

Just two minutes before the break the Pitmen almost took the lead after chaos in the box.

Their corner was cleared but recycled down the right hand side, a low-driven ball was delivered and was missed by multiple players before Boucher could dive onto the ball.

Into the added minute of half time, Max Sheaf came close to giving Redditch the lead with a curling left-footed effort that travelled just wide of the top left corner as the half ended all square.

The Reds started the second half quickly as Mensah was inches away from meeting a left sided cross, holding his head in his hands afterwards. The yellow cards continued to flow in a scrappy, tense game as former Reds man Luke Rowe was next in the referee’s book following a late sliding challenge on Cain Smith.

Redditch manager Matt Clarke then found himself the next one shown the flash of yellow following dissent against the lineswoman.

After the stoppage, the game got back underway in the 62nd minute as the visitors had a freekick on the edge of the box on the right hand side, up stepped Ryan Nesbitt with his left foot and curled a beautiful effort into the top left corner to break the deadlock for his first competitive goal for Redditch.

The final chance of the game fell the way of the hosts as O’Sullivan’s shot was saved by Boucher low down this left, the ball trickled along the line and Hudson recovered well to clear the ball away just before Cuff came flying in catching the fullback with a stamp and consequently was shown a straight red card.

The visitors saw out the final few moments to take home an impressive three points on the first game of the season.