Redditch Ladies 1 Stratford Ladies 0

A superb team goal, epitomising their performance, gave Redditch three vital points in this closely-contested match against neighbours Stratford.

With only two points separating the top seven, it was vital for Redditch to win.

Playing their best hockey for years all the players made important contributions.

The hosts took time to get into their stride and Emily Clarke made important tackles in the early stages.

Once Redditch came to terms with the long ball game of their opponents, their own short passing started to flow with outstanding results.

They took the lead well into the first half with probably the goal of the season involving six players - the ball was moved at pace from the halfway without Stratford getting a touch.

Angela Taylor and Suzette Davenport moved the ball down the left, threaded a pass through to Emma Manders who pulled it to Becki Clarke in the circle.

Clarke passed to Jo Stafford whose shot across goal was put in at the far post with the faintest of touches by sister Anna Stafford.

Redditch dominated for the next half hour with Player of the Match Emma Manders and Jo Stafford both showing outstanding energy up front and in midfield.

Redditch won a number of penalty corners but Stratford pressed hard in the last ten minutes as Redditch held on.

With team spirit high, Redditch visit bottom of the table Highfields next week looking to build on an excellent performance.