Report

Despite the Rednal lads making all the running in this game, it took a magnificent penalty save from Dylan to maintain our unbeaten home record at Rubery Park on Sunday. Smiths Wood had everything to play for in this final league encounter of the season, (a win would have ensured promotion for them as runners-up to us), but missed their opportunity against a Rednal side that was struggling to field 11 fit players, with Natty, Jay and Tom hampered by recent injuries, Joe still feeling the after effects of a sickness bug and Liam unavailable for selection.

Rednal took the lead after a defence-splitting pass out to Tom on the right was smashed home low across the 'keeper into the corner of the net. Jay then hobbled out of the action to be replaced by Natty, and Smiths Wood equalised soon after. Joe then earned a penalty after he was unceremoniously dumped by two defenders, and Jay scored after his kick hit both posts and rolled back along the line before creeping into the side netting. Back came Smiths Wood, and they equalised for a second time following a burst through our defence. Smiths Wood were then awarded a penalty just before half time following a trip and the taker blasted a superb shot high to Dylans right, but Dylan produced an equally superb stop to keep the score level at half time.

H.T. 2 - 2

Rednal pushed and probed for a winner in the second half, and, but for one early breakaway, Smiths Wood never threatened to take our unbeaten home league record, despite what was at stake for them. Natty, Georgie, Jamie, Connor and Joe all went close, with the keeper making a number of good saves, and with us having to substitute injured players with injured players, the lads dug deep to ensure that we ended the season on the back of a five game unbeaten run.

F.T 2 - 2.

The lads definitely showed their character today, with only 12 available to us and 3 or 4 of those carrying injuries, this was a good point against a good side who have been on our coat-tails all season. With Reece and Owen LT playing out of position, we were strong enough to cope with everything that Smiths Wood could throw at us, especially in the first half when they looked as though they might take the game away from us. This was a good battling performance, especially as we only had pride to play for, and on chances, perhaps deserved to win. However, despite this, the P.O.M. was awarded to Dylan, who, even though had a quietish game, saved us with his magnificent one-handed penalty save just before half time.