Redditch United 0 Merthyr Tydfil 1

A REDDITCH United squad without seven-goal Simon Hollis met their match on Saturday against a tough Merthyr team sitting pretty second in the table.

Solihull Borough's Christmas spirit was sadly lacking as the on-loan Hollis was recalled and duly scored again in their away win over Swindon Supermarine on the weekend.

And how Redditch would have loved a quality finisher the likes of Hollis on the pitch against Merthyr.

The combination of less than clinical finishing and a sodden pitch not fit for a Sunday side meant there was no hope for the hosts.

The single goal from Merthyr hitman Justin Pritchard in the 34th minute was enough to put the game beyond Redditch.

A quick one-two between Pritchard and Danny Carter turned the Redditch defence and Pritchard blasted past Richard Anstiss in the Redditch goal.

But after Pritchard's goal the visitors sat back only having two more clear-cut chances throughout the rest of the game and invited pressure from United.

Matty Hall should have equalised after the hour when Alex Cowley's pinpoint cross dropped to him at the far post but his effort was well saved by the Merthyr keeper Neil Thomas.

A Thomas was called in to action again on 76 minutes.

Redditch man of the match Neil Manton ran from halfway and cut inside and hit a left foot shot bound for the top corner but Thomas beat the ball out miraculously for a corner.

New Redditch signing Chris Rowell was thrown on for the last five minutes but to no avail.