REDDITCH United Ladies ended Worcester United’s 18-match winning streak with a 3-2 success to advance into the semi-finals of the West Midland League Cup.
The Reds headed to Worcester intent on not only keeping alive their hopes of a league and cup-winning double, but also on laying down a marker ahead of next month’s crucial league meeting between the Division One South title-chasers.
Gary Barrell’s side had to show plenty of grit and determination to defeat the current cup holders and will now enjoy Christmas before preparing to face Worcester again at the Valley Stadium on January 8 in what could ultimately prove to be a title decider.
Redditch handed debuts to three new recruits signed on dual deals – 16-year-olds Becky Gompertz, Lily Eustace and Hollie Congrave – all of whom have impressed in training and earned the chance to join the senior ranks.
Eustace plays for West Brom U16s and is Worcestershire Schools FA U16 captain, Gompertz plays for Aston Villa U16s and is Worcestershire Schools FA U16 vice-captain and Congrave features for Worcester City U16s.
The new recruits soon realised they were in a battle as Worcester got on top in the early stages with a direct game on a narrow pitch.
However, the Redditch rearguard stood firm as keeper Sophie Charlotte Hayward was alert off her line to sweep up danger, Kellie Smith and Amy Kendall dealt well with the hosts’ aerial threat and attacking full backs Molly Gilmartin and Lucy Dovey helped launch attacks from the defensive third.
Suzanne Bannister and Eustace moved the ball quickly in midfield which allowed wingers Katie Edwards and Gompertz to threaten out wide and Redditch got their reward with the opening goal in the 40th minute.
Gompertz was the scorer as she made a superbly timed run off the shoulder of the opposition right back after being picked out by a searching cross from Ellie Gerhold.
The lively combination of Sofi Liperis and Gerhold then created a second goal, calmly finished by Liperis in the 44th minute, to give the visitors a 2-0 half time lead.
Worcester had not won 18 matches in succession for no reason and emerged for the second half determined to fight back.
A defensive mix-up allowed the hosts to reduce their arrears on the hour and Redditch needed the strength of their squad to maintain their lead.
There were welcome returns from long-term injuries for Kirsty Grigg and Tess Whittingham, whilst the calmness of Sam Tayler, the industrious Lauren Pearson and efforts of the third debutant Congrave all helped the cause.
With Worcester continuing to push forward, player of the match Gerhold was finding good pockets of space and she capitalised to make it 3-1 in the 83rd minute after good work from Congrave.
The hosts set up a nervy finale by making it 3-2 with an 88th-minute penalty but Redditch were not to be denied, much to the delight of head coach Barrell.
“It has been a good end to the year for us, winning three tough games against Droitwich, Stourbridge and Worcester,” said Barrell.
“We had five 16-year-olds on the pitch on Sunday which epitomises what we are about in terms of being a club that gives youth a chance.
“We now look forward to a key league game against Worcester which will have a significant bearing on both teams’ quest for promotion to the West Midland Premier League.
“It would be great to get a big crowd to the game (January 8, 2pm) and as ever it is free entry.”