A WIN at home to champions Needham Market at the Valley Stadium on Saturday (3pm) will guarantee Redditch United a play-off spot.

The Reds moved back into the Southern League Premier Division Central top five with a point at Barwell from a 3-3 draw that saw the visitors concede a last-minute equaliser while Stratford Town lost 2-1 at home to Bromsgrove Sporting.

Instantly from kick-off, Alex Cameron was found down the right but his low ball across goal was just short of Johnny Johnston.

Danny King fired narrowly wide of the bottom corner a few minutes later as the Reds started well with a strong following from their supporters.

The positive start was rewarded when Johnston was played in down the left and he took it round Liam Castle before being fouled by the experienced keeper.

Skipper Reece Flanagan found the bottom corner to give Redditch an important lead with his 17th league goal of the season.

However, Barwell were then awarded a penalty when a cross from the right hit the hand of Ryan Wollacott and captain Brady Hickey converted.

But Redditch retook the lead in the 22nd minute when Jordan Cranston passed to Aram Soleman who drove forward down the right, beat his man and fired a shot in off the near post.

Barwell started the second half well with a wonder strike to level the game.

Aksum White did well in the middle to find Hickey who smashed it into the top-right corner past Adam Harrison.

But the Reds took the lead once again after Johnston hit a long-range drive into the bottom corner.

Keron Jackson’s men showed fight and continued to threaten the goal.

King was slipped in by Flanagan but his shot was well stopped and then he had another chance which was saved again and then cleared off the line.

Harrison pulled off an excellent save to keep his team in the lead after Ethan Hill found some space inside the area.

But late on Castle pumped forward a long ball which dropped to Jahvan Davidson-Miller and his cushioned volley nestled into the back of the net, snatching a point for Barwell.

The result left the Reds one point ahead of Stamford and Stratford in fifth spot in the table.

The men's first team presentation evening will take place following the last game of the regular season against leaders Needham Market.