HEAD coach Gary Barrell hopes Redditch United Ladies will take a lot of confidence into the remainder of the campaign having overcome a gruelling challenge against Stourbridge on Sunday.
United had to battle back from 2-1 down with less than 20 minutes to play to see off a talented Stourbridge side at the Valley Stadium and extend their winning league run to nine matches, although this is effectively seven following Coleshill Town’s withdrawal from the league.
With West Midlands Division One South title rivals Worcester United winning on their return to action to maintain their 100 per cent record, it was of paramount importance for the Reds to pick up maximum points.
They did just that thanks to Ellie Gerhold’s 84th-minute winner and Barrell hopes his side will look back on the match as a key moment in the title race.
“Stourbridge gave us a tough game earlier in the season which ended in a 1-1 draw, so we knew what we were up against,” said Barrell.
“Sunday was a superb fixture between two well matches teams who both played some fantastic football and the match was a great advert for women’s football.
“We hope we will look back on this as a game that won us the league, but there’s a lot of hard work left.
“We wish Stourbridge Ladies and Girls FC all the best for the rest of the season.”
Stourbridge, enjoying their first season in the West Midlands League, were determined to show their credentials and came flying out of the blocks.
However, Redditch stood firm thanks to the reflexes of Sophie Charlotte Hayward in goal and the composed leadership of Bex Ankcorn and Amy Kendall who organised the defence well whilst under sustained pressure.
Their efforts were rewarded as Redditch took a 12th-minute lead thanks to the strong running of Sofi Liperis who was fouled and secured a free kick 22 yards out.
Up stepped American Mari Karina Pastor – in her final appearance for the club – to send a fine curling strike beyond the visiting keeper to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Both sides then enjoyed spells on top but there were no further goals before the break.
The hosts were on the front foot in the early stages of the second half but were unable to extend their advantage and the match looked to have turned on its head shortly into the final quarter when Stourbridge struck twice in three minutes.
Firstly their lively striker won and scored a penalty before then scoring again at the near post to leave Redditch staring at defeat.
However, United showed character in abundance to rally and ensure they avoided their first league defeat since the opening day of the season against Worcester United.
Buoyed by the leadership of Pastor who was determined to inspire her team-mates to victory, the hosts levelled the match in the 74th minute when a neat cut back from Gerhold set up Pastor to score with another strike from outside the box.
In-form Gerhold, who was named as the opposition’s player of the match, then turned from provider to finisher six minutes from time to complete the comeback with a neat near post finish from the right-hand side of the area.
Barrell added: “The superb workrate of the midfield unit was exemplary as we closed out the game.
“The disciplined Suzanne Bannister combined well with Katherine Christopher and Sofi Liperis to cover the necessary ground and help us clinch the three points.”
The Reds play their final fixture of 2016 on Sunday when they visit title rivals Worcester United in a West Midlands League Cup fixture.