REDDITCH United returned to winning ways by claiming a county derby 2-1 to keep up a stunning record against rivals Bromsgrove Sporting.

Tim Flowers' side secured the Southern League Premier Division Central away victory ahead of a free weekend and now host Halesowen Town for the third time in the 2024-25 campaign, this time in the FA Trophy third qualifying round, on Saturday (3pm).

The Reds have already beaten Halesowen 3-2 in the FA Cup this season at the Valley Stadium and also drew 2-2 with their rivals in the league at home.

Previously, Redditch secured a fifth win in a row over Bromsgrove in front of 907 fans.

The Reds could have gone ahead within the first few seconds after Jordan Cranston whipped in a great cross towards the back post but Musa Ceesay was denied by the keeper.

However, only a minute later Ceesay put Redditch ahead when he headed in from a corner that fell to him inside the box.

An end-to-end game saw Bromsgrove take a free-kick up the other end which was just headed over.

Flowers’ men piled on the pressure as Jacob Scott had a chance from a free-kick but keeper Charlie Price was there to claim.

Sporting attacked down the left with the ball eventually falling to George Forsyth on the edge of the box but his strike went over.

In the second half Bromsgrove came close when Jamie Meddows was played in behind, cut inside past defenders and shot but Adam Harrison did well to save.

Seconds later there were shouts for a penalty after a Sporting man had gone down in the box but the referee waved away the claims.

The hosts eventually equalised on 52 minutes after Charlie Wragg’s initial effort was blocked but Reece King was there to tap home in front of the away fans.

Bromsgrove began to pile on the pressure as the Reds put bodies on the line to defend efforts from King and Shay Palmer.

In the 74th minute Redditch were awarded a penalty after Jaiden White ran in behind and was brought down by Price.

Skipper Jordan Cranston stepped up and scored to regain the lead for Redditch.

Sporting could have equalised late on when the ball fell to Wragg inside the box but Reuben Wyatt made a last-ditch clearance.

United host neighbours Redditch Borough next Monday in the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup (7.45pm).