REDDITCH'S road to Cardiff got off without a hitch in the against Midland Alliance newcomers Grosvenor Park, writes Matt Smith.

But United had to scrap for their place in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup with victory only coming after a calamity from the Grosvenor keeper.

Substitute striker Peter Sutton scored a stick-on as the Grosvenor number one, Tony Rowe, spilled an easy catch in front of him leaving Sutton with an open goal on 74 minutes and doubling United's advantage.

The Reds outplayed their opponents in the first ten minutes creating chance after chance.

Lee Booth's bullet header, after a cross from Lea Shaw, on six minutes was superbly pushed on to the bar by Grosvenor keeper, Tony Rowe and out for a corner.

And a minute later Alex Cowley put the home team ahead. A disguised free kick from Matty Hall deceived the visitors' back line and Cowley pounced purposely putting Rod Brown's men in the driving seat.

But just when you wanted to see the Reds go for the throat of the Grovesnor defence Redditch sat back and defended their lead.

On 76 minutes Grosvenor clawed their way back into the match after the referee awarded a penalty for the visitors with Rasheed Anifuwose converting from the spot. But their late flurry came to nothing

United now travel to Bourne Town or Eastwood Town on Saturday 17 September for the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.