Redditch Utd 2, Histon 0

THE scoreline may not have finished as handsome as it has at other times this season but this victory over Histon was a real show of dominance from Liam McDonald’s side, writes Lewis Cox.

Goals either side of half-time from Dior Angus and Jermaine Hylton were the standout points as the Reds geared up for a week that includes two cup expeditions to Conference North opposition.

Histon did not arrive at The Valley looking to defend, centre-back Euan Key testing Sam Hornby twice early in the first period, once with a looping ahead and again with fierce strike.

But the hosts were unfortunate not to edge ahead on eight minutes, Jamie Spencer cutting inside and firing a low shot onto Denzel Gerrar’s inside post.

The visitors, struggling near the foot of the Southern Premier, looked dangerous at times and when Nicholas Freeman was released over the top he beat Jordan Cullinane-Liburd and Calum Flanagan before the post saved Redditch.

Histon were made to pay on 33 minutes as Angus received the ball some way out, shimmed through a challenge before unleashing a fantastic left-footed strike that beat Gerrar from 30 yards.

There was a moment of concern for Spencer when he appeared to be knocked unconscious five minutes before the break and the Redditch striker was later taken to hospital for checks.

A minute into the second-half and Histon’s resistance was again broken when George Carline was hacked down by Key for a penalty, the defender rather fortunate to receive only a yellow. Ashley Sammons’ spot-kick sent Gerrar the wrong way but clipped his post on the way wide.

Barely five minutes later and the Reds did double their lead. Fine work from Sammons and the impressive Simeon Maye released Angus to the left byline who squared for Hylton to finish from 12 yards.

As Histon tired into the final 20 minutes, McDonald was able to take off the likes of Sammons and Angus doubtless with trips to Leamington in the Birmingham Senior Cup and Solihull Moors in the FA Trophy in mind.

Replacements Liam Spink and David Bridgewater were both unlucky not to add to the scoresheet and with Hylton and Maye constantly on the creative the busy Histon stopper was at his best to keep the advantage down to two.

Reds: Hornby 7, Jones 8, Cullinane-Liburd 7, Oshungbure 8, Mutton 7, Flanagan 7, ANGUS 8 (Bridgewater 75), Maye 8, Spencer 7 (Carline 40, 7), Sammons 7 (Spink 63, 7), Hylton 8. Subs (not used): Scarr, Catlow.