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Bittner scores FIVE as The Reds win breathtaking top of the table clash

12th February 2067

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 5-3 Bridgnorth Spartans

On the result.

It's such a massive victory and you can really see what it meant at full time. One side absolutely ecstatic and the other side devastated. It felt like whoever won today would take a giant step towards automatic promotion and it does feel like that following the full-time whistle. That's without doubt the greatest game I've been involved with as a manager, two brilliant sides, end to end football, drama and a lot of goals. The heart rate and blood pressure is only just about settling down now after that breathtaking game.

On the impact winning the top of the table clash may have.

It's going to provide the players with a massive boost in confidence. Today was the biggest game of the season and the pressure was on, but every player stood up and we got the job done. To go 4 points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand is massive obviously, but to beat them in that type of game is something you can't really measure, but it's a massive boost.

On Grantley Bittner scoring all 5 goals.

It's like nothing I've ever seen before. He's scoring goals like he's Erling Haaland out there and there's just no more words to describe him at this stage. He's already scored 27 goals this season and we've still got 10 games to play. At this rate he could score 40.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. Leach, 3. G.Roberts, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. A.Roberts, 7. Ollis, 9. Lancaster, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Aitkenhead, 15. Molloy, 16. Jones, 17. Arvidsson, 18. Saunders, 19. Fagan

Redditch United Bookings

Pockney, Leach, Bittner

Redditch United Goalscorers

Bittner (2, 21, 23, 77, 80)

Hellenic Football League Division One Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P26|W17|D7|L2|GD 31+| Pts 58

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2. Bridgnorth Spartans - P27|W17|D3|L7|GD 24+| Pts 54

3. MK Dons U20s - P27|W15|D5|L7|GD 23+| Pts 50 *

4. Bewdley Town - P26|W14|D6|L6|GD 13+| Pts 48

5. Redhouse - P27|W13|D7|L7|GD 12+| Pts 46

6. Nationwide - P26|W13|D3|L10|GD 6+| Pts 42

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* MK Dons U20s cannot gain promotion

Shaun Rogers brace rescues point for The Reds at Connolly Way

5th February 2067

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from Connolly Way

Roade 2-2 Redditch United

On the result.

A bit of a disappointment, but we've managed to keep our unbeaten run going so that's pleasing. When we went ahead you thought maybe we'd wake up and kick on, but they got a goal back quickly and then scored again. In the end a draw's a fair result.

On the brace from Shaun Rogers.

A very important brace on a day when not much went well for us. The two goals we conceded were sloppy and not like us at all, but Shaun has chipped in with those goals and I'm so pleased with his performance today.

On failing to take full advantage of one of our games in hand.

Look obviously I'd have hoped to come here today and pick up all 3 points, but on the bright side we've got the draw and we go a point clear. We still have another game in hand and it's a huge game next week coming up against Bridgnorth Spartans at home. If we win that it changes how we look at the result today and we probably think it's a point gained rather than a few points dropped.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Leach, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Aitkenhead, 15. G.Roberts, 16. Jones, 17. Arvidsson, 18. Ollis, 19. Fagan

Redditch United Bookings

Horgan, Pockney, Rogers

Redditch United Goalscorers

Rogers (11, 56)

Hellenic Football League Division One Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P25|W16|D7|L2|GD 29+| Pts 55

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2. Bridgnorth Spartans - P26|W17|D3|L6|GD 26+| Pts 54

3. MK Dons U20s - P26|W15|D4|L7|GD 23+| Pts 49 *

4. Bewdley Town - P25|W14|D5|L6|GD 13+| Pts 47

5. Redhouse - P26|W12|D7|L7|GD 11+| Pts 43

6. Chalford - P26|W11|D8|L7|GD 3+| Pts 41

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* MK Dons U20s cannot gain promotion

Lye Town dig in and battle to hard earned draw at the Valley Stadium

29th January 2067

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 0-0 Lye Town

On the result.

It's disappointing to drop points at home and not pick up the win, but fair play to Lye Town they had a plan, dug in and managed to tough it out. Sometimes you'll score a few goals in games like this, but sometimes they just defend with everything they've got and get a bit of luck too. We deserved to win today, we were ahead on every major statistic, but unfortunately only a single statistic matters in football and that's goals scored vs goals conceded. We just need to put it behind us and move onto the next game.

On the failure to find the breakthrough.

It's very frustrating, we created some good chances, but just lacked the finish and when we hit the woodwork late on you kind of got that feeling it wasn't going to be our day. In the end they've come for a point and they got it, so credit to them for the performance.

On the race at the top for automatic promotion.

As tight as it could possibly be right now, which is exciting and there's some pressure with it too. We've obviously got a few games in hand so that could change things if we're able to take full advantage, but at the moment it's close.  It looks like we're almost guaranteed a playoff place at minimum, but we'd love to be in with a shout of automatic promotion come the final few games of the campaign.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Leach, 11. Ollis, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Aitkenhead, 15. G.Roberts, 16. Molloy, 17. Rogers, 18. Campbell, 19. Arvidsson

Redditch United Bookings

Lancaster, Horgan

Redditch United Goalscorers

None

Hellenic Football League Division One Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P24|W16|D6|L2|GD 29+| Pts 54

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2. Bridgnorth Spartans - P26|W17|D3|L6|GD 26+| Pts 54

3. MK Dons U20s - P26|W15|D4|L7|GD 23+| Pts 49 *

4. Bewdley Town - P25|W14|D5|L6|GD 13+| Pts 47

5. Chalford - P26|W11|D8|L7|GD 3+| Pts 41

6. Redhouse - P25|W11|D7|L7|GD 10+| Pts 40

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* MK Dons U20s cannot gain promotion

Bittner scores a brace for third straight game as The Reds stay top

22nd January 2067

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from Barrington Park

Shrivenham 1-3 Redditch United

On the result.

It's a pleasing result and pleasing performance. The surface was very tricky today, but we adapted and played well today. 

On the early penalty decision.

It's a penalty yesterday, today, tomorrow and every day after that. A brilliant piece of skill by Caine Ollis to get the defender squared up like that one on one, a few stepovers and then a cheeky Cruyff turn. The defender has taken the bait and hacked his legs out from underneath him and it's probably the easiest penalty decision a referee could have at any level of football. Caine has then picked himself up, dusted himself off and slotted the spot kick home for 1-0. It was a huge boost to get that early goal, it helped us settle.

On a third straight man of the match performance from Grantley Bittner.

He's been sensational for us this season and today was no different. His recent form has been truly exceptional and he's deserved every inch of praise he's been receiving. The fans have been praising him and they're loving watching him score so frequently, fingers crossed it continues like this for the rest of the campaign. He's been crucial to our success this season.

On the injury to Kurtis Lancaster after just 20 minutes.

Nothing but precautionary. He felt his Achilles tendon and was in a lot of pain, so we took no risk and got him off right away. The physio has assured me he's fine and no issues there, he's fit and available for our next game.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Leach, 11. Ollis, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Aitkenhead, 15. G.Roberts, 16. Molloy, 17. Rogers, 18. Campbell, 19. Arvidsson

Redditch United Bookings

Saunders, Horgan, Leach

Redditch United Goalscorers

Ollis (pen 8), Bittner (42, 63)

Hellenic Football League Division One Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P23|W16|D5|L2|GD 29+| Pts 53

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2. Bridgnorth Spartans - P25|W16|D3|L6|GD 23+| Pts 51

3. Bewdley Town - P25|W14|D5|L6|GD 13+| Pts 47

4. MK Dons U20s - P25|W14|D4|L7|GD 21+| Pts 46 *

5. Chalford - P25|W11|D7|L7|GD 3+| Pts 40

6. Roade - P24|W11|D6|L7|GD 7+| Pts 39

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* MK Dons U20s cannot gain promotion

The Reds smash Haughmond to make it 6 wins in a row and reclaim top spot

15th January 2067

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 4-1 Haughmond

On the result.

Absolutely buzzing after that result, I'm delighted and no words I speak here will do that performance justice. It's good to remember we've lost twice to that side this season and they ended our unbeaten streak just shy of 50 games. It's a bit of a rivalry and we beat them in every area of the game today. The 4-1 scoreline is just the icing on the cake, what a performance.

On moving back to the top of the table.

It's a good mental boost, but we won't get carried away. As I've been saying all season, we'll just focus on taking it game by game, doing the right things and that'll give us the best chance of gaining a third successive promotion.

On making it 6 wins in a row.

Momentum at this level is so vital and we're full of confidence right now. The takeover has given everyone a huge lift, you can see the change in energy around the entire club, it's quite infectious. Hopefully we can kick on over the next few games and just keep winning. If we just keep winning we'll be getting that third successive promotion and it'd be a huge achievement for the club.

On the form of Granley Bittner.

I mean what can I say that I've not already said a few times already? He's in the form of his life right now, enjoying life on and off the pitch, reaping the benefits of hard work in the gym and on the training pitch. We're so lucky to have him and I just love watching him score goals. That's 10 goals in our last 6 games and he's been vitally important in that 6 game win streak.

On the wonderful goal from Andy Horgan.

A goal that any of the very best players to ever play football would be proud to score. A 25-yard thunderbolt that's smashed in off the underside of the crossbar, I say, what a goal, what a goal. If the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi scored that we'd never stop talking about it, just an unbelievable goal and even more impressive given Andy doesn't score many goals.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Leach, 11. Ollis, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Aitkenhead, 15. G.Roberts, 16. Molloy, 17. Rogers, 18. Campbell, 19. Arvidsson

Redditch United Bookings

Pockney

Redditch United Goalscorers

Bittner (7, 70), Lancaster (32), Horgan (58)

Hellenic Football League Division One Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P22|W15|D5|L2|GD 27+| Pts 50

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2. Bridgnorth Spartans - P23|W15|D3|L5|GD 22+| Pts 48

3. Bewdley Town - P23|W13|D5|L5|GD 16+| Pts 44

4. MK Dons U20s - P24|W13|D4|L7|GD 18+| Pts 43 *

5. Redhouse - P23|W10|D7|L6|GD 11+| Pts 37

6. Roade - P23|W10|D6|L7|GD 5+| Pts 36

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* MK Dons U20s cannot gain promotion

The Reds start new era under new owner Jamie Sanderson with narrow victory 

8th January 2067

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Recreation Ground

Dorchester 1-2 Redditch United

On the result.

Another win away from home and on the balance of play today you'd be very lucky to find someone that says we didn't deserve to win. I could have done with it being a bit more comfortable, but I'll take it, a win's a win.

On new ownership taking control during the week.

It's a huge moment for the club and in a few years we might be looking back at this week as one of the biggest in the club's history. It was well handled I'd say by all parties involved, the previous owner, the new owner, all the staff involved and the playing group. Thankfully it was all smooth sailing and we were able to start the Jamie Sanderson era off with a win.

On what has been discussed with new owner Jamie Sanderson.

Just what our expectations are going forward and what we hope we can achieve together here at the club. I've said it before that I'd love to take us all the way to the Premier League and Champions League, which at this point in time is years and years away, but with this investment we've got a chance of at least the Football League. We'll have a lot more in terms of budget than other teams at this level.

On our chances of promotion after the takeover.

They've definitely increased as we're in a position to at minimum hold onto our best players if not add some more quality to the squad. There's more expectation now to achieve promotion and the pressure's on, but I'm good under pressure.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Leach, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Aitkenhead, 15. Haverty, 16. Molloy, 17. Stanczak, 18. Ollis, 19. Arvidsson

Redditch United Bookings

Joseph, B.Roberts, Horgan, Rogers

Redditch United Goalscorers

Bittner (51, 61)

Meet our new American owner who has big plans for Redditch United

5th January 2067

By the Press Team

Jamie Sanderson isn't a name that will be known by any who follow Redditch United or even 99.99% of football fans around the world, but going forward the American investor has big plans for the club. The American today finalised the takeover of the club and immediately signaled his intent to take Redditch United as far as possible under his guidance.

Many have labelled the takeover a Welcome to Wrexham 2.0 moment and a tycoon takeover, the American injecting money into the club that could see us make a significant charge towards the Football League over the coming seasons.

We sat down with the new owner to discuss how this extraordinary takeover had come to fruition.

Good afternoon Jamie and I guess welcome to Redditch United.

Thank you! Very happy to be here and to able to get stuck into the work that needs to be done.

Tell us Jamie, how did you end up interested in the club and eventually taking over?

I'm a big Manchester United fan and obviously have followed when I could when Garry Nacho was managing the club. I was on holidays in London last summer and some friends were talking about football and someone started talking about his son, our manager. From there it was a bit of a rabbit hole and slowly but surely the idea grew on me. Over Christmas I just decided to see if I could either invest in the club or buy it outright and it's happened very quickly, but Alex Howard was a pleasure to negotiate with, straightforward and easy, a fantastic man. Hopefully now I can continue on with the fantastic work he has done at this club over the past decade.

What are the immediate plans for the club now you've taken over?

I've been following for a bit of time so I'm well aware we're in the race for promotion at the moment. I think my only plan right now is to do what I can to ensure there's minimal impact on the manager and playing group whilst providing whatever resources I can that increase our chances of obtaining that promotion. Leo Nacho has done a superb job so I just need to support that and get out of the way, let him do exactly what he's been doing for the past 3-4 seasons at this club.

And what about the future, what can fans expect?

I'll be honest I'd love to see the club get as close to the Football League as fast as possible. We'll be doing our best to ensure there's a budget in place and a professional structure so we can strive to achieve that lofty goal. I think we're 6 promotions away from that, so I think it would be a success if we're there in 8 years and let's hope this season is the first of many promotions to come.

On reports he's invested up to £2 million in the club already.

I won't be disclosing the exact number, but that does sound fairly accurate, give or take a few pennies here or there.

The Reds start the New Year with narrow win at the Valley Stadium 

1st January 2067

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 1-0 Nationwide

On the result.

Very pleased we were able to secure the victory today. Sometimes it's going to be like that, teams now know what we're about and it seems that they're setting up more to stop us than to play their own football. It also doesn't help when you hit the woodwork multiple times, but thankfully we've found that moment of magic to win the game and credit to Darren Saunders for creating it.

On the importance of winning tight games.

It's absolutely massive and I think that's the third game this season we've won by a single goal. If you're able to win these tight games you really do give yourself a great chance of promotion. Without those tight wins we'd be 6 points worse off and that would have us well off the pace at the top of the league table. Credit to the boys for having that ability to win games like this, it shows great character.

On our 36-game unbeaten run at the Valley Stadium.

I wasn't aware of that, but now that you've mentioned it I can't remember us losing here for a long time. It makes sense too when you consider we did have two invincible seasons, but that's a fantastic record to have ongoing and home form is so crucial to being successful. Hopefully we can keep that going for a bit longer and have it serve as a solid foundation as we push for automatic promotion.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Leach, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Aitkenhead, 15. Haverty, 16. Molloy, 17. Stanczak, 18. Ollis, 19. Arvidsson

Redditch United Bookings

Rogers, Pockney

Redditch United Goalscorers

Rogers (61)

Hellenic Football League Division One Table

1. Bridgnorth Spartans - P22|W14|D3|L5|GD 20+| Pts 45

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2. REDDITCH UNITED - P20|W13|D5|L2|GD 23+| Pts 44

3. MK Dons U20s - P21|W12|D3|L6|GD 18+| Pts 39 *

4. Bewdley Town - P20|W11|D4|L5|GD 14+| Pts 37

5. Roade - P20|W10|D5|L5|GD 9+| Pts 35

6. Northwood - P22|W10|D4|L8|GD 3+| Pts 34

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* MK Dons U20s cannot gain promotion

Bittner and Lancaster red hot as Redditch United hammer Chesham United 

22nd December 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from The Meadow

Chesham United 1-4 Redditch United

On the result.

A brilliant result in what could have been a very tricky game for us today. They'd won 3 of their last 5 in the league and we knew we'd need to perform well today to have a chance of getting the win. Thankfully the boys have put in a really impressive performance today and it was a comfortable victory in the end.

On the hat-trick from Grantley Bittner.

He's just been going from strength to strength this season and I think the return of Kurtis Lancaster has actually given him even more belief and freedom. The pressure isn't all on him now to lead from the front and I think we're seeing him shine even more. He's been absolutely marvelous for us this season and I think that's 16 goals in 16 appearances now.

On the partnership forming between Bittner and Lancaster up front.

I think we're watching something special form between the two. Last game it's Kurtis getting a hat-trick and Grantley getting the other goal, this week it's the opposite. Both of them get along off the pitch and I think you're seeing a partnership form that's helping bring the very best out of each player. I'm really excited to see how they perform for the rest of the campaign.

On sitting top of the table with a game in hand.

It's a superb position to be in and we couldn't have asked for a better outcome from the fixtures today.  Bridgnorth Spartans beaten by a team sitting bottom of the league and us managing to get the win. I think it's a really good timely reminder that you've got to perform well in this league or anybody can beat you. We've taken full advantage of that slip up and now just to refocus on the next game. Having that game in hand is a nice little insurance policy and hopefully we'll be able to turn that into a bigger lead at the top.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Khan, 15. Leach, 16. Molloy, 17. Ollis, 18. Campbell, 19. Arvidsson

Redditch United Bookings

None

Redditch United Goalscorers

Bittner (28, 68, pen 71), Lancaster (95)

Hellenic Football League Division One Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P19|W12|D5|L2|GD 22+| Pts 41

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2. Bridgnorth Spartans - P20|W12|D3|L5|GD 14+| Pts 39

3. MK Dons U20s - P20|W11|D3|L6|GD 17+| Pts 36 *

4. Roade - P19|W10|D5|L4|GD 13+| Pts 35

5. Chalford - P20|W9|D6|L5|GD 3+| Pts 33

6. Redhouse - P20|W9|D5|L6|GD 9+| Pts 32

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* MK Dons U20s cannot gain promotion

Kurtis Lancaster hat-trick keeps The Reds top at the halfway mark

12th December 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Brinsford Stadium

Wolves Casuals 2-4 Redditch United

On the result.

It's a really solid result for us today. A win away from home against a team that fought and stayed in the contest for a long time. They started well before we wrestled back control and as the second half ticked on with it being 2-2 you start to wonder if it'll be one of those days. Then Kurtis does what he does best and scores a brace really quickly to swing the game our way.

On the hat-trick from Kurtis Lancaster.

He was tremendous for us today and took his goals really well. The performance today was vintage from Kurtis and hopefully that's him getting back to his best following the hamstring injury he had. If we've got Lancaster, Bittner, Rogers and Arvidsson firing in the second half of this campaign we'll have a very good chance of gaining another promotion.

On Fredrik Arvidsson making his return from injury.

I'm absolutely delighted to see him making the first appearance following his injury. It's a huge step in his recovery and whilst I'm sure it'll be a few weeks yet before we see him anywhere near his best, it's just such a relief to see him back playing football. It's a solid 20 minutes or so off the bench and he even delivered the corner that led to the crucial third goal.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Khan, 15. Molloy, 16. Lukman, 17. Stanczak, 18. Ollis, 19. Arvidsson

Redditch United Bookings

Rogers, Joseph, Bittner

Redditch United Goalscorers

Lancaster (7, 71, 77), Bittner (18)

Hellenic Football League Division One Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P18|W11|D5|L2|GD 19+| Pts 38

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2. Bridgnorth Spartans - P18|W11|D3|L4|GD 15+| Pts 36

3. Roade - P18|W9|D5|L4|GD 11+| Pts 32

4. Bewdley Town - P17|W9|D4|L4|GD 11+| Pts 31

5. MK Dons U20s - P18|W9|D3|L6|GD 12+| Pts 30 *

6. Chalford - P18|W8|D6|L4|GD 4+| Pts 30

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* MK Dons U20s cannot gain promotion

Bittner takes league tally to 12 with brace as The Reds are too good for Redhouse

8th December 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 3-1 Redhouse

On the result.

I'm delighted we've bounced back with a win after defeat on the weekend in the cup. It's not always easy to process everything in just a few days, recover and bounce back, but we did really well today. The first half was quite a tight affair, but we came out of the blocks in that second half so quickly I think we've taken them by surprise and blown them away.

On the performance from Grantley Bittner.

Another big performance from the big man today and long may it continue. It's actually really surprising how agile and quick Grantley is for someone who is 6'4, I don't think he gets enough credit for how good his first touch actually is and his speed off the mark is impressive. I think defenders have really struggled with his size, strength and speed.

On a debut for new signing Caine Ollis off the bench.

A deal I'm really happy to have been able to get over the line. He's been on trial here for about a month and we were impressed. I think Caine will offer fantastic depth to the squad and he could play a big role in the second half of this campaign. It's really helpful as a manager having a player like Caine at your disposal that's comfortable playing on either the left or right wing.

On captain Fredrik Arvidsson returning to training after 5 months out with a broken leg.

It'll be a huge boost for the lads having him back. I can't wait for his first appearance, especially at home and I hope the fans give him a huge ovation when that time comes. He might need a little more time to get his match sharpness and fitness back, but so happy and so glad that we're out the other side of what was a nasty injury and a worrying time for him.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. G.Roberts, 11. Stanczak, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster,

10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Khan, 15. Molloy, 16. Lukman, 17. Ollis, 18. Clancey, 19. Saleh

Redditch United Bookings

Saunders, Horgan

Redditch United Goalscorers

Bittner (pen 47, 69), Stanczak (57)

Hellenic Football League Division One Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P17|W10|D5|L2|GD 17+| Pts 35

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2. Bridgnorth Spartans - P17|W10|D3|L4|GD 14+| Pts 33

3. Roade - P17|W9|D5|L3|GD 12+| Pts 32

4. Chalford - P17|W8|D5|L4|GD 4+| Pts 29

5. Haughmond - P16|W8|D4|L4|GD 11+| Pts 28

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Marsh Sports (UHL) Challenge Cup campaign over after defeat to Haughmond

4th December 2066

By the Press Team

Marsh Sports (UHL) Challenge Cup Second Round

Full Time from the Sundorne Sports Village

Haughmond 2-1 Redditch United

On the result.

It's obviously disappointing to get knocked out today, especially after we started so well and took that early lead. It's an improvement on our last trip here, but it could have and probably should have been a different result in the end. At the end of the day, we'll just need to dust ourselves off and go again in a 4 days against Redhouse at home.

On the impact that conceding before and after half time had on the contest.

I mean without stating the obvious that those goals change the result it was a big blow to concede right before half time. We had been the better side up until that point and I think if we go in at 1-0, we probably go on to win that game comfortably. In the end the goal before half time has been further compounded when they come out and score within the opening 10 minutes to go ahead and from there it was very tough to create chances against them. Credit to them they were very organised and very disciplined once they'd gone ahead, I wish them all the best for the rest of the cup campaign.

On Shaun Rogers picking up his fifth yellow card of the season and an automatic match ban.

At this level there's a certain level of dirty work that needs to be done and Shaun brings that aggression for us. It is what is and we'll deal with it as best we can, it's an opportunity for someone else to step up in his absence and hopefully whoever plays will do just that.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Khan, 15. Clancey, 16. Stanczak, 17. Saleh

Redditch United Bookings

Rogers

Redditch United Goalscorers

Rogers (16)

Nothing to separate Northwood and The Reds in bore draw at Northwood Park

28th November 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from Northwood Park

Northwood 0-0 Redditch United

On the result.

It's probably a fair result for both sides. You could probably argue we did create a few half decent chances, but to be honest it was a very even game and I think a draw is a fair result for both teams today. A point on the road gained and few complaints from me.

On the late Andy Horgan missed opportunity that could have won the game.

It was a moment when we all thought it was in, but it wasn't to be. I think their crossbar is still rattling as we speak. He doesn't score many, but that would have been a sensational goal to score, I mean who doesn't enjoy 30-yard screamers. On another day it goes in, we in and we're watching that goal back for a long time. Poor Andy doesn't get many, he's only got 1 for us in 30 plus appearances and that was last time out against MK Dons Under 20s. Hopefully we won't have many more games going forward that we fail to score in.

On remaining top of the league table after 16 games.

Such a great position to be in at this stage of the season and I really hope we can kick on over the next few weeks. We've been able to perform at this higher level and on our day are certainly good enough to beat anyone. For the rest of the campaign we just really need to remain focused and take it game by game, if we can do that we've a really good chance of a third straight promotion.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. G.Roberts, 15. Khan, 16. Watkin, 17. Stanczak, 18. Scott, 19. Saleh

Redditch United Bookings

None

Redditch United Goalscorers

None

Hellenic Football League Division One Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P16|W9|D5|L2|GD 15+| Pts 32

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2. Bridgnorth Spartans - P16|W9|D3|L4|GD 12+| Pts 30

3. Roade - P16|W8|D5|L3|GD 9+| Pts 29

4. Chalford - P16|W8|D4|L4|GD 4+| Pts 28

5. MK Dons U20s - P16|W8|D3|L5|GD 12+| Pts 27 *

6. Haughmond - P15|W8|D3|L4|GD 11+| Pts 27

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* MK Dons U20s cannot gain promotion

Lancaster scores on injury return as The Reds beat MK Dons Under 20s with ease 

24th November 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 3-0 MK Dons Under 20s

On the result.

A great way to bounce back after the defeat last time out. A much better performance and the clean sheet is pleasing too. We were in a close game up until half time, but getting the goal when we did was really important. I think it allowed us to take control of the game and in the end it was a very comfortable win which is pleasing given the strength of the opposition today.

On the return of Kurtis Lancaster.

We're all delighted to have him back and available. It just gives us more firepower up front and another fantastic option. I'm also very happy for him from an individual perspective that he's been able to come back and score straight away. I think he's scored about 45 seconds after coming on and that shows how hard he worked to get back as soon as possible in the best condition possible.

KURTIS LANCASTER REDDITCH UNITED CAREER SNAPSHOT

• Signed for the club on a free transfer on 19/10/2064.
• Made his debut for the club off the bench on 13/12/2064 in a 3-3 draw with Studley.
• Scored his first goal 18/4/2064 against Inkberrow Reserves in a 2-0 win.
• Scored 16 times in 24 appearances last season as the Reds won their second consecutive promotion.
• Has scored 5 goals in 9 appearances this season despite missing 6 games through injury.
• 41 League Appearances for Redditch United.
• 22 League Goals for Redditch United.

On our position in the table approaching the halfway mark of the campaign.

We're top of the table which just a massive boost to our confidence. If you'd offered me this at the beginning of the season I'd have snapped your arm off, so I'm delighted. I think we need to continue taking it game by game, fighting to improve and ensuring our focus is on the right stuff day by day. I feel if we do that most of the time the big stuff will take care of itself.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Saleh, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. G.Roberts, 15. Khan, 16. Watkin, 17. Stanczak, 18. Scott, 19. Lancaster

Redditch United Bookings

None

Redditch United Goalscorers

Bittner (45), Lancaster (62), Horgan (78)

The Reds narrowly beaten as controversial penalty enough for Chalford 

20th November 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Chalford Sports & Social Club

Chalford 1-0 Redditch United

On the result.

We got what we deserved out there today and that was nothing. The performance was poor, we lacked intensity and never really got going. Even when we went behind we never really fired a shot and looked lethargic throughout. It's telling we failed to register a single shot on target and I can't really remember us ever being so toothless in attack in all the games I've managed.

On the controversial penalty

It doesn't really matter what I think to be honest, penalty or not we didn't deserve to get anything from that game.

On the performance from goalkeeper Brandon McKnight.

He was fabulous today. Made a number of terrific saves and it's very unfortunate that he couldn't keep the penalty out too, I mean he's got down low to his left and got a solid hand to it, but it's just snuck over the line. He really did deserve his man of the match award today and it's just a shame we couldn't put in a performance that meant his display mattered more.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Stanczak, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Rogers, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. G.Roberts, 15. Khan, 16. Watkin, 17. Mogg, 18. Scott, 19. Saleh

Redditch United Bookings

None

Redditch United Goalscorers

None

Szymon Stanczak impresses as The Reds see off tough Bewdley Town challenge

10th November 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 3-1 Bewdley Town

On the result.

A terrific result and I'm delighted that we've been able to put in such a good performance against a side that's been in impressive form of late. If we keep performances at that level we'll win a lot more games between now and the end of the season.

On rumours linking you with a move to Marine AFC.

There's some truth there as they did approach the club, but I immediately just said I'm not interested. We've got something special brewing here at the club and it'll take something very big to pull me away from the club.

On the man of the match performance from Szymon Stanczak.

A really good performance and he's played a crucial role out there today. A goal that really killed the game off and an assist too for Shaun Rogers just a few minutes prior to scoring his goal. We've had to shuffle players around because of injuries and Szymon has really stepped up in our last two games. He's really staking his claim for more playing time and that's a good problem to have as a manager.

On a fourth straight win.

It's great for momentum and you can really see the belief amongst the players growing game by game. We were at a crossroads a few weeks back when we lost our first game in a very long time and the players have responded brilliantly.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. Khan, 3. G.Roberts, 11. Stanczak, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Rogers, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Haverty, 15. A.Roberts, 16. Watkin, 17. Mogg, 18. Scott, 19. Tuppen

Redditch United Bookings

Rogers, Bittner, Joseph

Redditch United Goalscorers

Bittner (8), Rogers (53), Stanczak (56)

Hellenic Football League Division One Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P13|W8|D4|L1|GD 13+| Pts 28

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2. Bridgnorth Spartans - P14|W8|D3|L3|GD 12+| Pts 27

3. Redhouse - P14|W7|D4|L3|GD 11+| Pts 25

4. Haughmond - P13|W7|D3|L3|GD 11+| Pts 24

5. MK Dons U20s - P13|W7|D2|L4|GD 13+| Pts 23 *

6. Roade - P13|W6|D5|L2|GD 7+| Pts 23

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* MK Dons U20s cannot gain promotion

The Reds make it three wins on the bounce to move top of league table

6th November 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Oxford Academy

Sporting Headington Academicals 0-1 Redditch United

On the result.

So happy and so pleased we've been able to get the goal, keep a clean sheet and leave with the win. We were so much better than them today, but they just kept throwing bodies in front of shots and their keeper made a few good saves. They really impressed me with their courage and fight. We also hit the woodwork twice, but thankfully we've made the breakthrough and got the job done.

On going top of the Hellenic Football League Division One table.

I'm delighted and the players are buzzing after the news was shared in the sheds there at full time. We said during the summer that we'd love to just be amongst the teams fighting for a playoff spot, but if we could win a third consecutive league title and promotion it would be huge for the club. We're a third through the season now and there's a long way to go, but it's great to go top and hopefully we can remain there for as long as possible. We just need to continue working hard and taking it game by game for now.

On the double change that led to the goal.

It wasn't one I wanted to make, but more I had to make. Bittner and Saleh were complaining of injuries at half time, so it was a case of seeing how long they could stay out there. By the hour mark it was clear they were really struggling so we took them off and brought on Jak Scott and Szymon Stanczak while moving Darren Saunders up top with Shaun Rogers. Within a minute Szymon is setting up Shaun for what proved the only goal of the game and the lads are making me look like a world class tactician.

On the injuries to Grantley Bittner and Samuel Saleh.

As far as I know they're both a chance of recovering for Wednesday night against Bewdley Town, but the physio said it really depends on how the swelling and bruising progresses over the next day or so. Grantley got a knock on his ankle and Samuel felt something in his thigh, so we'll just have to wait and see how they recover over the next 24-48 hours and go from there.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. Khan, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. A.Roberts, 7. Saunders, 9. Saleh, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. G.Roberts, 15. Ferguson, 16. Watkin, 17. Stanczak, 18. Scott, 19. Tuppen

Redditch United Bookings

A.Roberts, Haverty

Redditch United Goalscorers

Rogers (62)

Hellenic Football League Division One Table

1. REDDITCH UNITED - P12|W7|D4|L1|GD 11+| Pts 25

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Bridgnorth Spartans - P13|W7|D3|L3|GD 9+| Pts 24

3. Haughmond - P12|W7|D2|L3|GD 11+| Pts 23

4. Roade - P13|W6|D5|L2|GD 7+| Pts 23

5. Redhouse - P13|W6|D4|L3|GD 9+| Pts 22

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tale of two halves at the Valley Stadium as The Reds hold on to win and go second

30th October 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 3-2 Dudley Town

On the result.

A real tale of two halves out there today and I'm quite relieved we've held on to pick up the win. At 3-0 going into the break you're cruising, but that last half an hour was very tense and I was nervous given the late goals we've recently conceded at home. Thankfully today we've shown enough fight to hold on and record a big win for us. It has right behind Haughmond at the top of the table.

On the recent form of Grantley Bittner.

He's been absolutely pivotal over the past few weeks. The injury to Kurtis Lancaster was a huge blow, but with Grantley stepping up we've been able to manage. His contribution has been nothing short of sensational and he's produced again today.

On the mental boost after securing this result.

I think it was a massive result given the last two home games. Conceding so late and dropping points almost felt like losing a game, so to avoid that today was pretty important, especially since we'd gone into the break at 3-0. Not winning today would have been a big blow mentally in the same way holding on can provide a huge boost mentally for the players. They know now that they've got what it takes to see results through.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. G.Roberts, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Saleh, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Pockney, 15. Khan, 16. Watkin, 17. Stanczak, 18. Scott, 19. Tuppen

Redditch United Bookings

Rogers, Horgan

Redditch United Goalscorers

Bittner (pen 5, 20), B.Roberts (46)

Hellenic Football League Division One Table

1. Haughmond - P11|W7|D2|L2|GD 13+| Pts 23

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2. REDDITCH UNITED - P11|W6|D4|L1|GD 10+| Pts 22

3. Roade - P12|W6|D4|L2|GD 7+| Pts 22

4. Redhouse - P12|W6|D3|L3|GD 9+| Pts 21

5. Bridgnorth Spartans - P12|W6|D3|L3|GD 8+| Pts 21

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. MK Dons Under 20s - P11|W6|D1|L4|GD 11+| Pts 19

7. Bewdley Town - P11|W5|D4|L2|GD 7+| Pts 19

8. Chalford - P11|W5|D4|L2|GD 3+| Pts 19

9. Nationwide - P11|W5|D1|L5|GD -2| Pts 16

10. Wolves Casuals - P12|W4|D3|L5|GD 3+| Pts 15

11. Shrivenham - P11|W5|D0|L6|GD -6| Pts 15

12. Northwood - P12|W4|D2|L6|GD -3| Pts 14

13. Tenbury United - P11|W4|D2|L5|GD -9| Pts 14

14. Lye Town - P11|W3|D4|L4|GD 2+| Pts 13

15. Faringdon Town - P12|W3|D3|L6|GD -1| Pts 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

16. Chesham United - P12|W2|D4|L6|GD -18| Pts 10

17. Dorchester - P11|W2|D3|L6|GD -11| Pts 9

18. Dudley Town - P11|W2|D2|L7|GD -9| Pts 8

19. Sporting Headington Academicals - P11|W2|D1|L8|GD -14| Pts 7

The Reds make it six games unbeaten as Rogers and Bittner shine in away win

27th October 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from Palmers Meadow

Tenbury United 1-4 Redditch United

On the result.

A pleasing day out for us and the performance was very good. Any result away from home is good, but to win in such a convincing manner is really pleasing. We've spoken a little bit over the last few games about making sure we kill games off and we did that today. Onto our next game and hopefully we can bring this momentum into that game and pick up another valuable win.

On the goals scored right before the half time break.

I'd be lying if I stood here and told you that I didn't think that's a pivotal moment in the game today. For us to get one was brilliant, but a second a minute later just absolutely killed the game off. To concede twice right before the break would destroy most sides and whilst they got one back, they never looked like overcoming the deficit from the first half.

On the form that's seen us go 6 league games unbeaten.

I'm really pleased with our form since the loss and really since the start of the season. We're finding our feet at this level and competing quite well with teams that are definitely a step above what we're accustomed to. I'm happy with the results and very happy with our performances, without the latter you won't be getting the former consistently over the season.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. G.Roberts, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Saleh, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Haverty, 15. Khan, 16. Watkin, 17. Stanczak, 18. Scott, 19. Tuppen

Redditch United Bookings

Bittner

Redditch United Goalscorers

Rogers (20, 41), Bittner (42), Saleh (80)

Another Bittner brace not enough as another late goal denies The Reds at home

23rd October 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 2-2 Faringdon Town

On the result.

The performance was good, we deserved more from that game, but it wasn't to be. I think we're learning the hard way at the moment that if you don't take your chances and kill games off teams at this level can and will punish you for that.

On another brace for Grantley Bittner.

Another exceptional performance from him and that's 5 goals in the last 3 games for him. More of the same please Grantley.

On conceding late for a second consecutive home game.

It's something we'll need to fix and fix soon. It's cost us four points at this stage and if we'd picked up those points we'd be level on points at the top of the table. Definitely something we need to fix, it can't continue happening.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Scott, 9. Saunders, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. G.Roberts, 15. Ferguson, 16. Watkin, 17. Stanczak, 18. Clancey, 19. Saleh

Redditch United Bookings

A.Roberts

Redditch United Goalscorers

Bittner (8, 56)

Goals flow for Bittner as The Reds win but count the cost of Lancaster injury

16th October 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from Oldbury Wells

Bridgnorth Spartans 1-3 Redditch United

On the result.

I'm delighted with the win, a great result against a team that are sitting top of the league. I won't lie I was nervous coming here after the defeat we'd suffered playing Haughmond a few weeks ago, but we were definitely good value for our win today. 

On Bittner's brace.

A match winning performance and it's great for him to kick on after getting his first goal against Roade on Tuesday night. The opening goal came so early I think it kind of rocked them and then we got the penalty just before the break. Hopefully he can keep it up, we'll need him to step up to deal with the absence of Kurtis Lancaster, because that injury didn't look good.

On the injury to Kurtis Lancaster.

It's not looking good right now. He can barely walk on it right now in the dressing room and the physio is thinking it's a substantial tear of his hamstring or at best quite a severe strain. Best case scenario he's going to miss a few weeks which is a big blow for us.

On moving back into a promotion place.

I think at this stage of the season there can be a lot of movement from game to game, but always happy to be moving in the right direction in terms of the table. We just need to stay grounded and keep working hard. I'll say it a lot and it'll annoy a few people, but the season is so long at this level and it's only October. We've another 5 months of football to be played, so let's remain calm and focused on the job for now, but I'm very pleased with the results of our opening 8 games at this level.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. G.Roberts, 15. Khan, 16. Watkin, 17. Stanczak, 18. Scott, 19. Saleh

Redditch United Bookings

Horgan, Joseph, B.Roberts, Saunders, Haverty

Redditch United Goalscorers

Bittner (2, pen 44), Haverty (63)

The Reds have to settle for a point against Roade after conceding late goal

12th October 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 1-1 Roade

On the result.

It's disappointing, very disappointing. I'm once again standing here saying we were the better team and credit to them for being so plucky, they stayed in the game somehow and then with handful of minutes left hit us with a sucker punch. We need to improve in front of goal and start taking our chances. We've hit the woodwork twice today and missed a few sitters too. The game should have been well and truly over by the time they scored.

On Grantley Bittner finally getting off the mark.

A big moment for him and there's a lot of relief for him after getting off the mark. Obviously, it would have been nice if we'd held on to win the game, but either way it's always good for a striker to score. He took the penalty confidently and hopefully it's the first of many to come. We've been struggling to take our chances lately, so hopefully now he's got one more will start coming with more regularity.

On what was said at full time.

Look I try to keep things said to a minimum after games. I've not had a chance to review the game and the players know we've not got the job done today. They're not happy we've failed to take our chances and conceded late. The message is just feel what you've got to feel, dust ourselves off and try improve for our next game. Plenty of games between now and the end of the season to recover from it.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. G.Roberts, 15. Khan, 16. Watkin, 17. Stanczak, 18. Scott, 19. Saleh

Redditch United Bookings

Saunders, Pockney

Redditch United Goalscorers

Bittner (pen 22)

The Reds advance after penalty shootout drama at the Valley Stadium

9th October 2066

By the Press Team

Marsh Sports (UHL) Challenge Cup First Round

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 0-0 Wolves Casuals

Redditch United advance winning 7-6 on penalties

On the result.

Very relieved to have advanced in the end. Penalties are always a bit of a lottery and I'm happy we've come out on the right side of the shootout. I think we were the better side during the game and deserved to advance, but credit to them as they made it a dog fight out there and it was very difficult at times to break them down. In the end though all's well that ends well and we're into the next round.

On the penalty save from Brandon McKnight.

It was a great save and he deserved the man of the match performance after that. It's not like it was a woeful penalty either, it was in truth a good one hit with power and low and hard, but it's a fantastic save, top drawer and we're into the next round.

On the emergence of teenager Harry Watkin and what scoring the winning penalty means for him.

What a moment for the lad after making his debut a week ago. It takes a lot of character to step up with the game on the line like that when you're just 16, but he's very mature for his age, handles himself very well around the club and credit to him today, marvelous penalty. I hope it'll be a huge boost of confidence for him that he's come off the bench and had that moment today, hopefully it's the start of a very good career for Harry. He's very young and very raw, so we'll need some patience, but he's got a lot of talent.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Khan, 15. Watkin, 16 Scott, 17. Saleh

Redditch United Bookings

Pockney, Joseph, Horgan

Redditch United Goalscorers

None

Redditch United Penalties

Scott, Saunders, Lancaster, Rogers, Haverty, B.Roberts, Watkin

Ben Roberts goal enough to secure hard fought point on the road

2nd October 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Lye Sports Ground

Lye Town 1-1 Redditch United

On the result.

It's the type of result that you don't really know how to feel. On one hand it's a point on the road and we've come from behind to get it, which is pleasing, but on the other we've probably not won a game in which we were the better side, so that's disappointing.

On the goal we conceded.

Unstoppable to be honest. It's one of those goals that you just sit back and admired, a free kick from a long way out that's flew into the top corner. They didn't really have any other shots of note after that, so credit to the boys for keeping them really quiet today.

On the push for promotion.

We're in a good spot after the opening few games, I'm pleased and hopeful we can kick on from here. If we win our game in hand we're only 2 points behind Haughmond who sit top of the table, so I can't have too many complaints. It's been a good start at this level for us and hopefully we continue to build on this good start. It's a much longer season than we're use to at this level, so hopefully we can maintain our form and fitness over the course of the season, that'll be the biggest challenge playing a lot more games.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Bittner

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. G.Roberts, 15. Khan, 16. Watkin, 17. Stanczak, 18. Scott, 19. Saleh

Redditch United Bookings

Joseph, Horgan

Redditch United Goalscorers

B.Roberts (49)

Saunders sparkles as the Reds bounce back from defeat at first opportunity

15th September 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 3-1 Shrivenham

On the result.

A good performance and a good result. I'll never complain when we win and win well at home, it's a very good result.

On going ahead so early.

It's always a great boost if you can start well and going ahead in the opening few minutes is massive. I don't think they ever really got going today and I think a large part of that was the early goal we got. In the end it took a little bit longer for us to get the second, but it seemed like it was always coming and credit to the boys we've started well and finished the job.

On how important it was to bounce back after defeat last time out.

I think it's a very valuable boost mentally for the players to have bounced back right away. You don't want to have poor form, it can snowball and be very tough to turn around, so very pleased we've come out today and won.

On the man of the match performance from Darren Saunders.

Just a sensational performance and the 2 assists from him today were fantastic. Deserving winner of the man of the match award and he was a key performer for us today out on the left wing, Shrivenham really couldn't cope with him today.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. Burns, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Saleh

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Khan, 15. G.Roberts, 16. B.Roberts, 17. Stanczak, 18. Scott, 19. Bittner

Redditch United Bookings

Haverty, A.Roberts

Redditch United Goalscorers

Rogers (5), Lancaster (76), B.Roberts (94)

Full time on 48 game unbeaten run as The Reds suffer shock heavy defeat 

1st September 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Sundorne Sports Village

Haughmond 4-0 Redditch United

On the result.

It's a tough result to take as the scoreline suggests we weren't in the game for large periods. They might have shaved the game and deserved to win, but we didn't deserve to lose that game 4-0, so that's disappointing and hurts, but we'll be back.

On our unbeaten run finally coming to an end.

Looking back on that run it's an amazing achievement for the club. 48 games unbeaten, back-to-back promotions and two invincible league winning seasons. We just need to dust ourselves off now, accept this has happened and go again.

On conceding 3 goals in 7 minutes.

You don't like to see that type of thing happening, it's a bit of a collapse and we'll firstly try figure out why it's happened and secondly how we can stop it from happening again in the future. It's early days, but I think we made the substitutions and within 10 minutes the games over. They've maybe just upped the intensity as some of our players tried to get into the game and perhaps I've made the wrong changes at the wrong time trying to chase the game and it's resulted in them scoring 3 goals inside 7 minutes.

On how we bounce back after the heavy loss.

As I said we just need to dust ourselves off, accept it's happened and move on. There are another 32 games to be played, so a single game won't define the entire season and it's my job to get that across to the lads. We'd started the season really well, but were beaten today and if we can learn why it didn't go to plan today then we can put it right over the course of the season. There's no need to panic.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Saleh

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Khan, 15. G.Roberts, 16. Burns, 17. Stanczak, 18. Scott, 19. Bittner

Redditch United Bookings

Rogers, Haverty

Redditch United Goalscorers

None

The Reds move into playoff places with convincing win over Dorchester

18th August 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 3-0 Dorchester

On the result.

Delighted with the result. We barely gave them a sniff and remained focus even when they were keeping us at bay. Very pleased we were able to score either side of half time and I think that really knocked the stuffing out of them. We've made a really good start to life at this level, I mean, if you'd offered me 7 points from a possible 9 in the opening games I'd have taken that.

On moving into the playoff places.

It's nice to see us sitting in that part of the table so soon after gaining promotion. I'd love to be able to challenge for promotion again this season and the fact there's a playoff is massive. At the previous two levels it was win the league or nothing, now you've a few spots that give you another opportunity. It's a mental boost to be sitting in one of those spots with the season having only just begun.

On the performance from Kurtis Lancaster.

It was a real leaders performance from him out there today and I'm very pleased to see him stepping up. I've definitely noticed him taking on more of that responsibility since Fredrik Arvidsson was injured and it'll be important for us that he keeps doing that. He also looked good doing it after the haircut in between games, so I guess we can rule out his goalscoring form being tied to his longer hair.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Saleh

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Khan, 15. G.Roberts, 16. Burns, 17. Stanczak, 18. Scott, 19. Bittner

Redditch United Bookings

Rogers, A.Roberts

Redditch United Goalscorers

Ben Roberts (37), Kurtis Lancaster (49, 68)

Hellenic Football League Division One Table

1. Haughmond - P4|W3|D0|L1|GD 4+| Pts 9

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2. Bridgnorth Spartans - P4|W2|D2|L0|GD 3+| Pts 8

3. REDDITCH UNITED - P3|W2|D1|L0|GD 6+| Pts 7

4. Redhouse - P4|W2|D1|L1|GD 4+| Pts 7

5. Faringdon Town - P4|W2|D1|L1|GD 3+| Pts 7

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6. Roade - P4|W2|D1|L1|GD -1| Pts 7

7. Wolves Casuals - P4|W2|D0|L2|GD 1+| Pts 6 

8. Tenbury United - P3|W2|D0|L1|GD 0| Pts 6

9. Shrivenham - P4|W2|D0|L2|GD -5| Pts 6

10. Bewdley Town - P4|W1|D2|L1|GD 2+| Pts 5

11. Chalford - P4|W1|D2|L1|GD 0| Pts 5

12. Chesham United - P4|W1|D2|L1|GD -1| Pts 5

13. Lye Town - P4|W1|D2|L1|GD -3| Pts 5

14. MK Dons Under 20s - P4|W1|D1|L2|GD 1| Pts 4

15. Dorchester - P4|W1|D1|L2|GD -3| Pts 4

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16. Dudley Town - P3|W1|D0|L2|GD -1| Pts 3

17. Nationwide - P3|W1|D0|L2|GD -2| Pts 3

18. Sporting Headington Academicals - P4|W1|D0|L3|GD -3| Pts 3

19. Northwood - P4|W0|D0|L4|GD -5| Pts 0

Samuel Saleh steps up with brace in man of the match performance

14th August 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Nationwide Playing Grounds

Nationwide 2-5 Redditch United

On the result.

A very good day at the office for us. The only criticism you could make is around conceding the late goal, but we were marvelous for most of the game. It was basically over within 20 minutes and that's a testament to the mentality the boys brought from kick off. The result was fully deserved and I'm extremely pleased we've performed so well. Onto the next game now and hopefully we can carry the confidence from this result into that game. It's a long 36 game season and it's early days, but we've started really well.

On the level of opposition after two games at Level 10.

It's definitely been a step up, but I think we've players that have embraced the challenge. I think we've probably been playing with a higher intensity in comparison to teams at Level 11 and Level 12, so I don't think we've had to really change too much about what we've been doing for the last few seasons anyway, which has been a massive bonus and we've been able to find our groove so to speak.

On the man of the match performance from Samuel Saleh.

It was fantastic to see him step up today and show the type of player he can be. There's a really big opportunity for him now after the unfortunate injury to Fredrik Arvidsson during pre-season and Samuel has given us a glimpse of the player he can be today. The key now is to work hard on improving every week and really try being consistent from game to game. He's only 18 so we'll need to be patient at times, but he's done really well today and hopefully he'll build on that performance.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Rogers, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Saleh

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Khan, 15. G.Roberts, 16. Burns, 17. Stanczak, 18. Scott, 19. Bittner

Redditch United Bookings

Joseph, G.Roberts

Redditch United Goalscorers

Shaun Rogers (7), Scott Haverty (9), Samuel Saleh (18, 24), Ben Roberts (71)

Unbeaten run continues as The Reds are unlucky in draw with Chesham United

4th August 2066

By the Press Team

Hellenic Football League Division One

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 1-1 Chesham United

On the result.

We were the better side today and deserved more, but I'll take the draw and we look forward to our next game.

On our first performance in the Hellenic Football League Division One.

I think we handled the step up in quality really well and as I said previously, we were the better side today and I do think we deserved more today. Come the end of the season if we play like that in most games I think we'll be in the mix for promotion.

On the mental impact of coming from behind to remain unbeaten.

Very important and you can often go on runs after a result like this. To start the season keeping the unbeaten run intact is great, especially when we could have lost a game we deserved to win. A draw is a positive when you factor in how long we've been unbeaten, keeping that run going is a big mental boost for the players and can have a negative impact on the opposition.

On the pre-season injury to captain Fredrik Arvidsson.

It's a real blow for us and I'm stating the obvious there. He's been such a crucial player for us, on and off the pitch, it'll be a lot tougher without him. We're all hoping he recovers well and we can see him doing what he does best in a Redditch Untied shirt in the near future.

Redditch United XI

1. McKnight, 2. Pockney, 4. Joseph, 5. A.Roberts, 3. Haverty, 11. Stanczak, 6. B.Roberts, 8. Horgan, 7. Saunders, 9. Lancaster, 10. Saleh

Redditch United Substitutes

12. Alexander, 14. Khan, 15. G.Roberts, 16. Molloy, 17. Burns, 18. Scott, 19. Rogers

Redditch United Bookings

Joseph, Horgan

Redditch United Goalscorers

Kurtis Lancaster (70)

Club Statement: Fredrik Arvidsson injury update

5th July 2066

By Chairperson Alex Howard

I can regrettably confirm that club captain Fredrik Arvidsson has suffered a broken leg and undergone surgery late last night.

The injury occurred in a pre-season friendly versus Bourton Rovers yesterday at the Valley Stadium.

An early diagnosis suggests the fan favourite will miss 7-8 months due to the injury and may miss the majority of the season.

I would like to take this time to wish Fredrik all the best in his recovery and offer him the clubs full support. I know he'll do everything within in his control to return as soon as possible. Anybody who has been following the club in the last few years will know the pivotal role the Swede has played in helping us achieve back-to-back promotions. His leadership, assists and goals will be sorely missed.

Kind Regards

Alex Howard

Redditch United Chairperson