REDDITCH Ladies had to bow to the inevitable and accept their third successive relegation at the weekend.

Claire Steadman's side lost a relegation play-off against fellow strugglers Bournville to slip out of the Midlands League and into the Worcestershire County League for the first time in over a decade.

The Bromsgrove Road side have ensured a torrid time after losing several players in recent seasons.

Forced to throw youngsters into the first team, Redditch slipped out of Midlands Division One two years ago and came straight through Division Two into the Conference.

The struggles continued with Redditch propping up the Conference all season and finishing with only two draws - against second from bottom Bournville - to show for their efforts.

As expected the play-off, at neutral Stourport, was a tight affair and finished 1-1 to take the match to penalty strokes.

Bournville scored their first three and with Redditch hitting the net just once from four attempts, relegation was confirmed.

Bournville go on to play Worcestershire champions Worcester Norton 2's to see which side will play in the conference next season.