Redditch United 3

Aston United 2

IT was that man again Stormin' Norman Sylla who dug Redditch United out of a rut to secure all three points for the Reds at a chilly Valley Stadium.

Sylla's two second half goals coupled with a late Simon Hollis strike put pay to any jitters Ashton may have caused.

This tie looked far easier on paper after a dismal first half which saw the Reds given only half chances by the visitors.

And it was Ashton who created the best chance of the first period right on the stroke of half-time.

Winger Nicky Clee's corner was met by Jason Domer's head, the ball rebounded off Richard Anstiss' crossbar and a scramble in the Reds area ensued.

But referee Geoff Law and his assistant waved play on despite suspicions the ball may have crossed the line.

Reds boss Rod Brown was forced into a couple of substitutions as the heart of his midfield needed treatment Richard Softley was brought off and replaced by Jordan King on 16 minutes and Craig Woodley was replaced by Danny Scheppel on 37.

The second half started with the visitors again making a nuisance of themselves resulting in the first goal of the game.

Josh Mitton's goal bound effort was parried out by Anstiss on 50 minutes but let in Peter Carty to slide in from close range.

The goal sparked the Reds into life as they started to create chances of their own - first Sylla then Simon Hollis saw good chances go begging before the equaliser came on 78 minutes.

Norman Sylla netted from the tightest on angles after being put through on the left.

And the hitman wasn't finished their as he put away Redditch's second with six minutes to go after out pacing the Ashton backline.

Right on the 90th minute Simon Hollis made it three. Sylla fed Scott Rickards who spotted Hollis on the move and the winger powered home.

Ashton pulled a goal back deep into injury time but not before referee Law sent off the visitors Peter Carty for a second yellow.

Redditch United: Richard Anstiss, Matt Clarke, Asa Charlton, Sean Flynn, Gary Knight, Richard Softley (Jordan King 16), Simon Hollis, Craig Woodley (Danny Scheppel 37), Scott Rickards, Norman Sylla, Luke Prince (Rob Taylor) Subs not used: Mark Taylor, Andy Penny.