Brackley Town 2, Redditch United 0

A goal in each half handed high-flying Brackley the points against a Redditch side that included two players on their debut.

Defender Jamie Grimes and frontman Suleiman Leluu made their first starts and it was new addition Grimes who starred for the Reds, the former Swansea City stopper putting in an excellent display at the heart of the defence.

His efforts looked to have kept Brackley at bay until the break but former Redditch favourite Owen Story netted seven minutes before half-time, pouncing on a loose ball to fire home as the visiting defence waited for a hand ball decision.

Will Richards went close to equalising early in the second half but, after bursting through from midfield, his final shot failed to trouble the Brackley keeper.

The Reds’ uphill task was made even more tricky when Town doubled their lead on 51 minutes. A corner was headed back across goal by defender Tom Kemp and Steve Diggin slotted home from close range.

Carl Palmer and Josh Green could have added to Brackley’s lead while the visitors’ best chance fell to Joe Harris who collected the ball from substitute Aaron Moses-Garvey only to volley over the target.

Richards also went close for the Reds late on but failed to keep his header on target.

Reds: Coleman 7, Robinson 6 (Wood 72), Stringfellow 8, GRIMES 8, Hickman 6, Warmer 6, Richards 6, Jones 6, Deards 5 (Moses-Garvey 46, 5), Leluu 5 (McKenzie 46, 6), Harris 5. Subs (not used): Osborne, Bedford.