Reds took title in first week and never let go

Redditch United 3

REDDITCH United are champions of the Dr Martens Western division.

The Reds started the season on top of the division and that's exactly where they have finished up... and five points clear of their closest rivals.

In the end the game against Cirencester had little importance on league standings as Gloucester City, the only team who could mathematically catch United before the game, threw the title on a plate for the Reds by losing to Ilkeston.

Saturday saw a nervous Redditch start at the Corinium Stadium with the Centurions making most of the possession.

In fact United had just one noteworthy effort in all of the first half when winger Alex Cowley jinked his way past a couple of defenders before unleashing a shot which just went wide of Cirencester keeper Paul Thompson two minutes into first half injury time.

Meanwhile, the Centurions battled on and should have been at least one up before the break when Gareth Hopkins was put through by Ben Fitch but it went straight down Reds keeper Richard Anstiss' throat.

But it's a game of two halves and in the second period the Reds showed why they are worthy champions.

From the whistle Sean Flynn's corner was met by Richard Softley who could only direct his header over the bar.

Before the hour the Reds were a goal up as Cirencester centre back Alan Bird rifled though his own net after Richard Burgess had whipped a dangerous ball in.

Three minutes later the Reds were 2-0 up as Alex Cowley gambled on a Burgess flick on got to the byline and smashed a shot along the line hitting the far post and ending up in the net.

And 11 minutes later substitute Mark Shepherd made it three as Richard Softley turned provider and Shepherd coolly dispatched from 12 yards.

Redditch United: Richard Anstiss, Neil Manton, Matt Gardiner, Mark Taylor, Gary Knight, Richard Softley, Danny Scheppel, Sean Flynn (sub, Craig Woodley 71) Richard Burgess, Richard Lead beater (sub Mark Shepherd 67) Alex Cowley (sub Matty Hall 74), subs not used: Martin Myers, Scott Voice.