Handsworth 15

Redditch 3

A PACKED Kingfishers treatment table was no help as Redditch lost vital ground on their North Midlands One rivals as they were toppled by mid-table Handsworth.

Four regulars - Andy Norrie, Joe Alekna, Glenn Francis and Paul Barnett - were all out of action for Redditch while kicker Wil Wilson had to play through the pain barrier with a torn hamstring.

The changes saw Redditch find it hard to get their rhythm going and after missing the opportunity to take the lead through Wilson, Handsworth's winger ran the length of the field to score the game's first try on 30 minutes.

Redditch pushed on with Lee Cross, making his league debut, again showing that he is a talent for the future. However , the only other score of the half was a Handsworth penalty.

Soon after the break Wilson retired from the pitch with his hamstring problem but the home side didn't let up and scored again on 55 minutes but the game was as good as over for the Kingfishers.

A consolation penalty was not enough.

Kingfishers team manager Steve Moore said: "We have got no complaints.

"We lost to a well organised side who deserved the win.

"The experimental side we put together showed there's plenty of talent for the future, and can hold their heads high as they gave it their all."

Redditch have a two-week break before they get back to league action.