The Career of Leo Nacho

The Reds come from behind to win and move 21 points clear at the top

24th January 2068

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Premier Division 

Full Time from Ribbesford Meadows

Bewdley Town 1-2 Redditch United

On the result.

We knew coming here tonight we were going to be in a tight game and it's turned out that way. I don't think we could have started the game much worse if I'm being honest, but full credit to the lads we fought for every blade of grass out there and got a massive result. It was ugly at times, but our goals were glimpses of real quality and I'm proud of the fight in that performance.

On the boost the players might get from the winner from Ben Roberts.

I think it'll be a huge boost over the next few games. We were in a real battle out there tonight and got through it together. The winner from Ben was an exceptional volley that no goalkeeper is saving. You could see by the celebrations how much it meant and we had to weather the storm afterwards as they pushed for an equaliser, but we held on and I think it'll be a huge boost.

On the news that Mayfield lost away to North Leigh.

Honestly, I'm just mainly concentrating on us doing our job and whatever happens regarding Mayfield is out of my control. It's definitely nice to hear we've won, they've lost and our lead's increased, but day to day I give it very little thought. We're focusing on what we can do and have to do to continue winning games in the pursuit of achieving automatic promotion.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. G.Roberts, 4. Ferguson, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Kerr, 11. Byles, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Bindley, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster,

10. Siebenhandl

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Wium, 14. Pockney, 15. Rose, 16. Haverty, 17. Horgan, 18. Ollis, 19. Rogers

Redditch United Bookings

None

Redditch United Goalscorers

Byles (36), B.Roberts (74)

Hellenic Football League Premier Division Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P25|W23|D2|L0|GD 39+| Pts 71

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2. Mayfield - P24|W15|D5|L4|GD 21+| Pts 50

3. Stonehouse Town - P25|W12|D7|L6|GD 18+| Pts 43

4. Bewdley Town - P25|W12|D6|L7|GD 16+| Pts 42

5. Hinton - P24|W12|D6|L6|GD 7+| Pts 42

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Late winner from Ashley Roberts makes it 4 wins on the bounce for The Reds

28th January 2068

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Premier Division 

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 2-1 Derby Singh Brothers

On the result.

That was a good result for us today and a dominant performance. We probably should have had a couple more goals today and it did look like being a frustrating day at the office as time ticked on, but in the end we got the winner. We had to overcome a few injuries today and I'm proud of the players reaction after seeing both Ben and Jamie go off injured.

On the injuries to Ben Roberts and Jamie Kerr.

Well for Ben it's likely season over and for Jamie he'll be back in a few weeks. Early signs is a torn ligament in his knee, not his ACL, but still bad enough he'll probably need surgery and will be out for a few months. We need scans to confirm that, but the doctors and physios are pretty good with the manual tests they do, so it's looking like his season is over. As for Jamie it's a cracked rib or fractured rib, he'll miss a few weeks but will be back before the end of the season. Both are important players for us and we'll need someone to step up to cover for their absence. Hopefully the news will galvanise the lads in wanting to win the league for Ben.

On the dramatic Ashley Roberts winner.

As I said before it kind of felt like we were going to have to settle for a point and it was going to be one of those days. What a towering header from the corner, unstoppable for the keeper and you could see what it meant by the lads celebrations afterwards. We still had work to do after to see the game through, but you've got to love dramatic winners like that.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Rose, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. McFarlane, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster,

10. Siebenhandl

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Wium, 14. G.Roberts, 15. Ferguson, 16. Kerr, 17. Bindley, 18. Ollis, 19. Byles

Redditch United Bookings

Lancaster, Rose, Bindley, Pockney, Haverty

Redditch United Goalscorers

Lancaster (4), A.Roberts (80)

Hellenic Football League Premier Division Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P26|W23|D2|L0|GD 40+| Pts 74

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2. Mayfield - P25|W16|D5|L4|GD 24+| Pts 53

3. Hinton - P25|W13|D6|L6|GD 8+| Pts 45

4. Stonehouse Town - P26|W12|D8|L6|GD 18+| Pts 44

5. Bewdley Town - P26|W12|D7|L7|GD 16+| Pts 43

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Lancaster and Siebenhandl combine to send The Reds 24 points clear at the top

1st February 2068

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Premier Division 

Full Time from London Road

Moreton Rangers 0-2 Redditch United

On the result.

A big result today for us. It's another 3 points on the board and another game down in the quest for automatic promotion. We did a good job tonight of remaining focused and composed, got the goal just before half time, which was a huge moment that changed the game. They didn't really threaten much once we did take the lead and it was very pleasing how we managed the game after half time.

On the importance of scoring just before the half time break.

If someone came to you as a manager and asked what time of a game you'd want to score the opening goal it's going to be either the last kick of the game or right before the half time break. Scoring before the break is such a boost for us and such a sucker punch for them, it makes the opposition manager tear up their notes for their half time team talk. It's a game changing time to score a goal and I'm delighted it went our way today. We were good value for the lead at half time and I think we deserved nothing less.

On the partnership between goalscorers Kurtis Lancaster and Christoph Siebenhandl.

It's developing nicely and you could see they benefitted today from the extra playing time they've had together recently. They both set each other up for the others goal today and it's always pleasing as a manager when your strikers are scoring goals and making them. Both of the lads did really well when taking their opportunities and hopefully there's more of the same to come over the next few weeks. We're getting really close to securing promotion and if the lads up front can continue performing like that, I can't see us falling short.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Joseph, 4. Ferguson, 5. A.Roberts, 3. G.Roberts, 11. McFarlane, 6. Downs, 8. Bindley, 7. Byles, 9. Lancaster, 

10. Siebenhandl

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Wium, 14. Pockney, 15. Rose, 16. Haverty, 17. Horgan, 18. Ollis, 19. Saunders

Redditch United Bookings

G.Roberts, Joseph

Redditch United Goalscorers

Lancaster (42), Siebenhandl (64)

Hellenic Football League Premier Division Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P27|W25|D2|L0|GD 42+| Pts 77

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2. Mayfield - P25|W16|D5|L4|GD 24+| Pts 53

3. Stonehouse Town - P27|W13|D8|L6|GD 20+| Pts 47

4. Hinton - P25|W13|D6|L6|GD 8+| Pts 45

5. Bewdley Town - P26|W12|D7|L7|GD 16+| Pts 43

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McKane Bindley sent off as The Reds eliminated from Isuzu FA Vase

4th February 2068

By the Press Team

Isuzu FA Vase Fifth Round 

Full Time from Raith Fields

Hemel Hempstead Rovers 3-1 Redditch United

On the result.

We didn't deserve anything from the game today and credit to the home side, they deserved to win today. I wish Hemel Hempstead Rovers all the best for the remainder of the competition and their season, they were worthy winners today.

On the performance.

I thought it was close up until the red card and after that it was all one-way traffic. We never figured out how to cope with being a man down and it seemed like a matter of time before they got the goal to go ahead. In the end we just weren't very good today and when that happens in a cup competition it can cost you dearly. We'll need to dust ourselves off quickly and bounce back as soon as possible.

On the dismissal of McKane Bindley.

No complaints really, but it's definitely changed the game, no doubt about that. We can't complain about it, the first yellow is a yellow every day of the week, a player's going by you and you grab a handful of shirt to stop a counterattack, it's a yellow, no complaints really there. The second yellow is just silly, you just don't kick the ball away after giving away a foul a minute or 2 after being booked. McKane has given the referee a decision to make and it's pretty dumb, but he's young, he'll learn from that and come back stronger.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. G.Roberts, 4. Joseph, 5. Ferguson, 3. Haverty, 11. McFarlane, 6. Downs, 8. Bindley, 7. Byles, 9. Lancaster, 10. Siebenhandl

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Wium, 14. Pockney, 15. A.Roberts, 16. Ollis, 17. Saunders

Redditch United Bookings

Bindley

Redditch United Red Cards

Bindley (41)

Redditch United Goalscorers

Downs (41)

Christoph Siebenhandl scores 95th minute winner for The Reds in tight game

8th February 2068

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Premier Division 

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 2-1 Feckenham

On the result.

What a thrilling ending that was, the heart's only starting to settle down now. We deserved to win today, good performance and good result in the end. We probably should have killed that game off much earlier, but they defended bravely, their keeper had a good game and our finishing wasn't at its best. In the end though Christoph has got a very late goal to get us over the line.

On the importance of bouncing back after losing last time out.

Vital, absolutely vital. You want the lads to forget about that loss as soon as possible, especially considering we didn't perform well at all. We certainly had more energy and purpose about our play today, everybody did their jobs and we've got the reward in the end. Even if that game had finished a draw, I'd still have been happy that we bounced back with a good performance.

On the boost that result will give the players.

I think it'll be a big boost for the lads. I think we certainly deserved all 3 points today, but credit to Feckenham they made it extremely difficult and fought for everything. It wasn't a performance you'd expect from a side sitting second bottom of the league table. The lads are buzzing in the changing room right now, I feel like every win is just another big step towards promotion and we're starting to feel as if we're getting really close to getting the reward for all our hard work we've put in this season. Still, we've still some work to be done, but we know how close we are and the players can take a boost from this win into our next game.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. Ferguson, 3. Haverty, 11. McFarlane, 6. Downs, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster,

10. Siebenhandl

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Wium, 14. G.Roberts, 15. Rose, 16. A.Roberts, 17. Rogers, 18. Ollis, 19. Byles

Redditch United Bookings

Horgan, Joseph, Rogers, Byles

Redditch United Goalscorers

McFarlane (37), Siebenhandl (95)

Hellenic Football League Premier Division Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P28|W26|D2|L0|GD 43+| Pts 80

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2. Mayfield - P27|W17|D5|L5|GD 25+| Pts 56

3. Stonehouse Town - P28|W14|D8|L6|GD 26+| Pts 50

4. Hinton - P27|W14|D7|L6|GD 9+| Pts 49

5. Bewdley Town - P28|W13|D8|L7|GD 18+| Pts 47

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The Reds start well but North Leigh come from behind to end our unbeaten run

11th February 2068

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Premier Division 

Full Time from the Eynsham Hall Park Sports Ground

North Leigh 2-1 Redditch United

On the result.

Deserved to win the game given the chances we created, but you don't get points for chances created and we've only ourselves to blame. It's really tough to take that result as they've only really had the 2 chances and they've taken both. In the end we've kind of beaten ourselves with mistakes at the back and poor finishing up front. I guess it just is what it is today and we move onto the next game.

On our 28-game unbeaten run in the league coming to an end.

It's been an incredible achievement from this group of players and it's laid a foundation upon which our title hopes are a real reality. We're 24 points clear with Mayfield having a possible 30 points to play for. We're so close to achieving a fourth consecutive promotion and what an achievement that would be for the club, that's been built on the back of that unbeaten run. I'm so proud of the players, what they've already done this season and I know they'll be hurting after losing that game today, but they should be so proud of their performances over the course of this campaign. We've made history this season by advancing further than any Redditch United side has ever done in the FA Cup and FA Vase, whilst also going 28 games unbeaten in this league. It's a campaign to be proud of in my opinion.

On whether the loss might derail our push for promotion.

I don't think a single defeat will do that, not with this playing group, they're very strong mentally. It's also worth noting that we played really well today, we should have won the game comfortably, so I don't think there's any need to be in a state of panic and worrying about seasons imploding. We'll analyze the game, train hard during the week and I'd expect a response in our next game. 

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Rose, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. McFarlane, 6. Downs, 8. Bindley, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster,

10. Siebenhandl

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Wium, 14. G.Roberts, 15. Gascoigne, 16. Horgan, 17. Rogers, 18. Ollis, 19. Byles

Redditch United Bookings

A.Roberts

Redditch United Goalscorers

McFarlane (33)

Hellenic Football League Premier Division Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P29|W26|D2|L1|GD 42+| Pts 80

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2. Mayfield - P28|W17|D5|L6|GD 24+| Pts 56

3. Hinton - P28|W15|D7|L6|GD 14+| Pts 52

4. Stonehouse Town - P29|W14|D9|L6|GD 23+| Pts 51

5. Bewdley Town - P29|W13|D8|L8|GD 13+| Pts 47

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Grantley Bittner makes goalscoring return from injury with late winner

18th February 2068

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Premier Division 

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 2-1 Kenilworth Wardens

On the result.

Delighted we've won that game, it should have been a lot more comfortable, but at least we've won the game in the end.

On our recent struggles in front of goal.

I'm not sure it's just down to a single thing, we've definitely failed to take some really easy chances at times, but I think as the season has gone on teams have accepted they're going to struggle against us and have adapted to be a lot more compact and defend deeper. It's been harder to create chances at times and I think that's played a big role. We need to be more clinical when we do get chances if they're starting to be harder to create. It's also worth mentioning that a few of our players have been out injured too, so that can have a massive impact. You can't really rotate players and the fatigue of playing Saturday and Wednesday every week for a month and a bit can really take its toll. Thankfully now we've players coming back from injury and it's a single game a week for the remainder of the campaign.

On the goalscoring return of Grantley Bittner.

Absolutely delighted for him, it's always nice to come back from injury and score right away. Takes away some pressure and he can start to regain match fitness now over the next few games. Obviously, I'm also delighted as he's come off the bench and got the winner. He took that penalty very well, a confident finish too sending the keeper the wrong way and slotting the ball down the middle.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. G.Roberts, 4. Rose, 5. Ferguson, 3. Haverty, 11. McFarlane, 6. Downs, 8. Bindley, 7. Byles, 9. Lancaster, 10. Siebenhandl

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Wium, 14. A.Roberts, 15. Kerr, 16. Horgan, 17. Rogers, 18. Saunders, 19. Bittner

Redditch United Bookings

Lancaster, Saunders, Horgan

Redditch United Goalscorers

Downs (49), Bittner (pen 86)

Hellenic Football League Premier Division Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P30|W27|D2|L1|GD 43+| Pts 83

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2. Mayfield - P29|W18|D5|L6|GD 28+| Pts 59

3. Hinton - P29|W16|D7|L6|GD 16+| Pts 55

4. Stonehouse Town - P30|W15|D9|L6|GD 26+| Pts 54

5. Bewdley Town - P30|W14|D8|L8|GD 16+| Pts 50

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Injury time sucker punch for The Reds as title celebrations put on ice

26th February 2068

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Premier Division 

Full Time from the Hardwicke Playing Field

Hardwicke 1-0 Redditch United

On the result.

It was a tough game, a real battle between the sides and we've come out the wrong side of it today, it happens. We probably deserved a point, but sometimes it just doesn't go your way. The performance was alright, not our worst, but not really our best either.

On conceding in the 94th minute.

When you concede late like that it's obviously very frustrating. You're over the moon when it happens down the other end, but you really hate to see it happen against your side. We need to take the lessons from that and do our best to ensure we don't concede late like that again. When you're conceding with a minute left it's almost impossible to respond and it's disappointing to lose in that manner.

On the race for automatic promotion.

I think everyone would admit we're really in the driving seat and should win the league title. We're so close, maybe only a single win away potentially if other results go our way. We're just focusing on doing our job and if we do that week in week out, I can't see us failing to win the league. The unbeaten run really set us up for this, Mayfield any other season are probably winning the league, but we've been able to keep winning games almost every game and we deserve to be in this position. It's now up to us to go and make the title ours.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. G.Roberts, 4. Joseph, 5. Ferguson, 3. Haverty, 11. McFarlane, 6. Downs, 8. Bindley, 7. Byles, 9. Lancaster,

10. Siebenhandl

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Wium, 14. A.Roberts, 15. Kerr, 16. Horgan, 17. Rogers, 18. Saunders, 19. Bittner

Redditch United Bookings

Lancaster, McFarlane

Redditch United Goalscorers

None

Hellenic Football League Premier Division Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P31|W27|D2|L2|GD 42+| Pts 83

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2. Mayfield - P30|W19|D5|L6|GD 30+| Pts 62

3. Hinton - P30|W17|D7|L6|GD 18+| Pts 58

4. Stonehouse Town - P32|W16|D9|L7|GD 27+| Pts 57

5. Bewdley Town - P31|W15|D8|L8|GD 18+| Pts 53

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