REDDITCH United suffered their first defeat of the season ahead of Saturday's big Emirates FA cup tie.

Tim Flowers' side fell 3-1 at home to Stourbridge in Southern League Premier Division Central on Monday after the weekend's deserved 2-1 victory at Stratford Town.

But there will be no time to dwell on that loss as the Reds take on another West Midlands rival in Halesowen Town in the FA Cup first qualifying round at the Valley Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

Only on August 12 a dramatic home league game with Halesowen ended late after power issues as an injury-time own goal from ex-Redditch defender Ryan Wollacott saw the clash finish 2-2.

But against Stourbridge this week Jordan Cranston's equaliser from a penalty awarded for handball on 18 minutes after Alex Bradley's sixth-minute opener could not deny the visitors.

Dom Lewis and Toumani Sidibe helped bring the three points back to the Black Country with goals on 72 and 89 minutes watched by 818 fans.

Previously, Redditch secured a 2-1 victory over Stratford Town after a brilliant performance, writes Jack Underwood.

Stratford's Callum Ebanks was denied by Reds keeper Adam Harrison and skipper Cranston had an effort saved at the other end.

The visitors had a few chances for Johnny Johnston who was set up by Jaiden White but could not find the net.

Redditch’s press proved difficult for the Bards and Johnston's left-footed close-range effort was saved.

Eventually Flowers’ men broke the deadlock in the 36th minute after White played a brilliant ball over the defence to Johnston who took a touch and slotted calmly into the far corner.

Only minutes later Johnston was played in down the right and skipped past the keeper before laying the ball off for Alex Cameron to double the lead.

The Reds entered half-time 2-0 up after an outstanding first-half performance.

In the second half Musa Ceesay laid a through-ball for Johnston but his effort fell just wide.

Stratford started to dominate possession and apply pressure but provided nothing too difficult to deal with.

Cranston dribbled through but his flick was parried wide by keeper Callum Smith.

The hosts got a penalty in the 88th minute when Max Martin misplaced a back pass to Harrison who took out Ebanks and the same player slotted home to give Stratford hope.

But Flowers' side held on through a lengthy stoppage time for another valuable three points.