Monday, August 28, 2000

VETERAN striker Nicky Cross took his goal tally for the season to five in four games as he helped Redditch United to a 3-1 win at home to Bedworth United in the Dr Martens League Western Division yesterday.

He netted a goal in each half and was involved in the other as Reds climbed to fourth in the table.

Manager Rob Smith was quick to praise the 40-year-old former Wal-sall ace, saying: "If players like that are performing at their peak then we should have no problem."

Cross stooped to head home an Ian Bennett cross for Redditch's opener on seven minutes and then started the move that saw striker partner Paul Danks double the lead midway through the half.

An Adam Webster header seven minutes into the second period gave the visitors hope but Cross added his second on 82 minutes with a header into the top corner of keeper Ian Ladkin's goal.

The victory was the perfect tonic for Reds who lost their unbeaten record on Saturday when they slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Sutton Coldfield Town.

Cross netted a late consolation but two goals from Steve Behan and a Leon Mitchell effort secured the points for the home side.