Saturday, August 21, 2000

REDDITCH United boss Rob Smith was full of praise for his players after they held out for an opening day victory at home to Hinckley United.

The Valley Stadium side hung on for a 2-1 win despite being under pressure for much of the match against a side tipped for honours in the Dr Martens League Western Division.

Central defender Leon Jackson starred for Reds as he kept Hinckley's strike pair of David Sadler and Gary Ricketts at bay for much of the game.

Nicky Cross opened the scoring from the penalty spot on two minutes following a foul on Matt Hall and Paul Danks added a second on 34 minutes, firing home from the edge of the area.

Sadler pulled one back for the visitors midway through the second half but, with Jackson and keeper Dave Adey in inspired form, Reds clung on. Hinckley had boss Dean Thomas sent from the dug-out.