REDDITCH United Ladies head coach Gary Barrell has challenged his table-topping side to maintain their focus when they host Marston Green at the Valley Stadium on Sunday (2pm).
The Reds were made to work hard to secure a crucial 2-0 home win over Kenilworth Town on Sunday thanks to late goals from Sofi Liperis and Jj Jackson and Barrell knows more of the same commitment is required when the Reds take on their Birmingham visitors this weekend.
“It was a really tough game against a rapidly improving Kenilworth, one of those in which we really had to dig in to get the three points,” said Barrell.
“You know that if you want to challenge at the top of the league then you need to grind these type of results out and that’s what we did.
“The team were given an inspired speech by captain Lauren Pearson at half time which reminded the girls of how hard they have worked to be in their current position and not to have any regrets and they really came out and pushed on as a team.”
Redditch have opened a four-point lead over third placed Droitwich in West Midlands Division One South following the latter’s 2-2 draw at Rubery, although second placed Worcester United remain hot on the Reds’ heels – just two points behind with three games in hand – after securing a tense 1-0 home win over Stourbridge.
Redditch broke the deadlock in the 78th minute with a goal of the season contender from in-form striker and player of the match Liperis who smashed in a volley from outside the box that left the opposition goalkeeper with no chance.
As the clock ran down and Kenilworth committed more players forward in search of an equaliser, the bravery of goalkeeper and club captain Kirsty Grigg was evident as she made a superb one-on-one save, whilst a goalline clearance by Bex Ankcorn combined with the help of the crossbar also helped to thwart the visitors.
The hosts clinched maximum points in the dying moments when Jj Jackson netted with a superb finish as she ran on to a through ball and rolled the ball past the goalkeeper to bag her first goal of the season.
As ever, entry to this Sunday’s match is free and the girls are keen to see another healthy crowd support them.