REDDITCH Hockey Club's promotion dream lies in tatters despite a 2-1 derby win over arch rivals Bromsgrove at the weekend.

Any elation among the Redditch players as they trooped off the pitch disappeared when news of the Rugeley result filtered through.

With two sides promoted from DTZ Debenham Thorpe League West Midlands One, Redditch were hoping current second placed side Rugeley would falter.

But with the Staffordshire team cantering to a 5-1 win over Stafford they wrapped up the second promotion berth to leave Redditch in the cold despite Tom Hiles' side going into the New Year at the head of the table for the second season running.

A crucial factor for Redditch was the decision to void fixtures against Wombourne who withdrew on the eve of the season.

The decision by officials to award teams a point from a 0-0 draw in the defunct fixtures proved to be no more than a rumour and - with Redditch set down to play Wombourne on Saturday - brought a premature end to the Brosmgrove Road side's season.

With one round of fixtures to go Redditch are guaranteed a third place finish.