Charnwood 1 Redditch 0

Redditch produced the most amazing performance of the season against league leaders Charnwood, who are yet to drop a point in the campaign.

The visitors, decimated by injuries and unavailability, were only able to field eight players. The League ruled the game must be played or Redditch would have three points deducted, lose the game 3-0 and face a hefty fine.

As the game started and Redditch kept possession their confidence grew.

The plan was to keep a defensive unit intact outside their defending circle and up to the half way line.

When in possession they used triangles and worked up the touchlines.

No long cross field passes were attempted and the side line often worked as an extra player.

Lisa Pytlik, Claire Steadman and Angela Taylor set the pattern early on up the right and on the left flank Emma Manders and Stella Smith did likewise. When Charnwood were in possession Redditch worked tirelessly to get behind the ball.

Charnwood were constantly in the Redditch half but Jill Coventry was in commanding form in goal and made some excellent safe clearances.

Sweeper Emily Clarke had a good game, making fine tackles. Midfielder Joy Sealey got through an enormous amount of work and was positive going forward.

Emma Manders, suffering from a pulled hamstring, was a threat in attack and was constantly fouled.

Charnwood forced a number of penalty corners but were unable to convert.

Redditch held until the 46th minute.

The goal was a scrappy affair, a reverse stick jab from close range.

In the latter stages captain Angela Taylor urged her team on using her experience to keep the centre midfield intact and fire the ball upfield when required.