Match Report: Redditch United (H)

Barwell returned to LE9 for the final time in the 2023/24 season as they welcomed Reddtich United, a side in the thick of the playoff battle with two games remaining. Redditch would have entered the game hoping to enact some revenge for Barwell’s 2-1 win earlier in the season. The game got off to a fairly even start, Deen Master being flagged offside just as he shaped to shoot. With 9 minutes gone the visitors were awarded a penalty, Liam Castle judged to have tripped the striker. The penalty was converted into the bottom right hand corner, Castle going the right way but couldn’t keep it out. After 13 minutes Barwell were forced into an early change, Isaiah Osbourne forced off through injury, to be replaced by Micah Edwards. Barwell were then themselves awarded a penalty, Aksum White’s cross hitting the arm of the defender, the linesman being the one to award the spot kick. The following penalty was slotted home by Mr. Reliable Brady Hickey. The visitors were back in front after 21 minutes, a rather fortunate goal for them, Aram Soleman’s fierce shot hitting the post, then Josh Flanagan then bouncing in. The first Barwell booking was dished out in the 25th minute when Ethan Hill was cautioned following a hefty 50/50. The game quietened down following this, the next chance for either side coming in the 42nd minute, when Leroy Lita’s header found Master but his poked effort was straight at the keeper from close range.

Half-Time: Barwell 1-2 Redditch United

The second half couldn’t have got off to a better start for the hosts, almost direct from kick off, White was able to find space out wide to pull back to Hickey who’s first time long range shot sailed into the top corner! Barwell came close again in the 48th minute, good work between Hickey and Jahvan Davidson-Miller on the edge of the box found Master but his curled effort went just wide. The good start would be undone not long after however, Johnny Johnston finding space and his low driven shot wrong footed Castle and found the bottom corner. Barwell made their second change after 58 minutes, Master replaced by Tristan Dunkley. With 63 minutes on the board, Redditch came agonisingly close to a fourth, some superb passing in and around the box allowing a shot to be let off, but Castle was there with his legs to deal with the danger. Two minutes later, in the 65th minute, Redditch came forward again, this time the combination of a good Castle save and an excellent George Ward tackle denied the away side. Barwell grew back in the game and came close in the 78th minute, Hill finding himself in space on the edge of the box but a smart stop by the Redditch keeper kept him out. Barwell made their final sub in the 84th minute, Ruben Freeman being brought on for White. Sid Kerr found himself on a yellow card in the 89th minute after bundling over the attacker just outside the box, although nothing came from the resulting free kick. Deep into the 5 additional minutes Barwell rescued a point, Castle’s long ball dropping to Jahvan Davidson-Miller who’s cushioned volley nestled in the bottom corner cueing the acrobatic celebration from the striker. Freeman was booked in the 96th minute but then redeemed himself by producing a brilliant block from the resulting free kick to hold on for the hard earned point. Barwell will play their final game of the season next weekend away at Bromsgrove Sporting.

Full-Time: Barwell 3-3 Redditch United
Att: 359
MOTM: Brady Hickey