REDDITCH Hockey Club maintained their title aspirations with a battling 2-1 victory over Leamington in West Midlands Division One.

But they left it late before bagging the vital victory, Andy Brookes netting the winner with the final hit of the game.

Brookes said: "It was a good game but really hard fought against a good Leamington side who have given us two tough games.

"The win moves us into joint second and we have to play all the teams around us at the top of the table."

Robin Parker opened the scoring early on for the Bromsgrove Road side only for the visitors to level prior to Brookes' last gasp winner.

Redditch take a break from league action this weekend when they travel to Ashby-de-la-Zouch for a friendly.

Meanwhile, Redditch Women continued their excellent league form as they claimed the points in their local derby against Bromsgrove, running out 1-0 winners.

Redditch have now picked up a maximum 12 points from their last four Worcester Division One matches and this victory saw them overtake their visitors in the league table.

Although the Bromsgrove Road side were not as fluent as in previous weeks, they still enjoyed the greater possession and created the bulk of the chances.

Olivia Nicholson scored what turned out to be the winner halfway through the first half. Anna Stafford won the ball in the circle on the left and her cross found Nicholson unmarked in front of goal with an easy tap in.

Bromsgrove fought back towards the end of the half and also went close to equalising.

Player of the match Emma Preston worked tirelessly up front and nearly increased the lead when she broke clear but Angela Raxter made a good save in the Bromsgrove goal.

Both sides battled hard and had chances to score in the last 10 minutes but in the end Redditch were worth their victory with Kirsty Stafford particularly strong at the back.

Redditch now take a well earned break from league action over the next two weeks with Badsey providing the opposition at Bromsgrove Road in a friendly on Saturday (1.30pm).