Redditch United 3 Mangotsfield United 3

UNITED fans trooped home in stunned silence after watching their side contrive to throw away a seemingly unassailable three goal lead.

When Matty Hall rolled home United's third off his shin in the 61st minute, another five goal haul appeared to be on the cards.

Even when Mangotsfield's Mark Summers took advantage of confusion in the home defence 17 minutes from time, Kim Casey's warning to stay alert seemed over fussy.

After a toothless display, the visitors grabbed a second two minutes from time when Mike Davis crashed one home, but even then the scorer ended up red carded after barging over Reds keeper Richard Anstiss in an attempt to recover the ball.

But Redditch fans could only look on in shock as midfielder Adam Sims capped a spectacular, if undeserved, comeback three minutes into added time when he thundered a shot into the top left hand corner past a despairing Anstiss.

Richard Field had given United the perfect start in the third minute when he was left unamrked at the far post to head home a Neil Manton cross.

And flying winger Alex Cowley was able to showboat past a stricken Dean Pendry in the 51st minute before squaring for Sutton to nutmeg mangotsfield keeper Robert Clarke at his near post.

But, three up and coasting, United's world fell apart - if Rod Brown is to make the Valley a fortress he will have to get his hammer and nails out.