REDDITCH United extended their unbeaten Southern League Premier Division run to six matches but were left frustrated as basement side Cinderford Town picked up their first point on the road this season with a 2-2 draw at the Valley Stadium on Tuesday.
On the back of Saturday’s impressive 4-1 home win over Cirencester Town, Darren Byfield’s Reds looked well set to take maximum points when Jordan Cullinane-Liburd gave them a 2-1 lead inside 16 minutes, but the resurgent Gloucestershire side hit back to earn what was ultimately a deserved share of the spoils.
The visitors, promoted as last season’s Division One South & West champions, began brightly and took a sixth-minute lead when Matthew Thomas’ fine cross was headed home by Gethyn Hill.
However, United responded and levelled just three minutes later when new forward recruit Luke Keen made it three goals in as many games by scoring from the penalty spot after he had been fouled by Cinderford keeper Cameron Clarke.
Another new Reds striker, Gurjit Singh, curled an effort towards goal which Clarke did well to save but moments later it was 2-1 to the hosts when defender Culinane-Liburd fired into the roof of the net after Danico Johnson’s close range strike had been parried.
Cinderford were in no mood to lie down though and restored parity in the 53rd minute when substitute Callum Moonie blasted the ball into the net from all of 25 yards.
Up for grabs
In an entertaining final half hour either side could have won the match as Cinderford’s James Bloom nodded against the woodwork shortly before United’s Simeon Cobourne struck the post at the other end.
Redditch piled forward in the closing stages and Keen’s strike was deflected on to the post and behind for a corner from which only a brilliant point-blank save thwarted Cullinane-Liburd.
Another Cinderford substitute, Karnell Chambers, then forced home stopper Brad Catlow into an impressive save to keep out a 20-yard strike as the spoils were shared.
On Saturday the Reds were in relentless form as they put Cirencester to the sword in a rampant first half display.
Singh set up Keen to open the scoring from close range in the sixth minute and only inspired goalkeeping kept the hosts at bay until it became 2-0 in the 34th minute when the impressive Max Loveridge teed uo Cobourne to complete a brilliant team move.
Shortly before half time Keen returned the favour to Singh who finished neatly to make it 3-0 and the former Kidderminster Harriers man made it 4-0 eight minutes into the second half when he converted Jordan Jones’ assist.
Singh, who had joined in midweek from Hednesford Town in a deal which saw midfielder David McDermott go the other way, was denied his hat-trick and Keen and Cobourne also went close before Alan Griffin’s thumping strike gave Cirencester a late consolation goal.
Redditch, who last week welcomed lively winger Dior Angus back to the club from Stratford Town, are sixth and a point behind Merthyr Town in the final play-off place having played a game more.
Byfield’s men head to Cambridgeshire on Saturday to face St Ives Town before another testing away day on Monday at Hitchin Town, who are currently fourth.