REDDITCH United suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Stourbridge in a fiery contest that saw two Reds sent off.

The Reds have slipped out of the Southern League Premier Division Central play-off zone, having topped the table at one point, following a run of six defeats without scoring.

Stourbridge went ahead with an early goal in the third minute when a long ball split the Redditch defence and Kian Ryley lobbed keeper Adam Harrison.

Redditch had most of the play after the goal but Jordan Cranston teasing ball across the six-yard box from the left was not met by any Reds men.

Keron Jackson’s side kept applying the pressure as a cleared attempt fell to Ryan Wollacott but his ambitious effort was wide.

There was a break in play in the 33rd minute due to a medical emergency in the crowd but play resumed shortly after and the club wish the fan involved a speedy recovery.

Kacy Butterfield played in Niall Flint one-on-one with the keeper but Harrison pulled off a good save at his near post just before half-time to stop Stourbridge doubling their lead.

Straight after half-time Harrison denied a looping effort from outside the box.

Redditch came close to equalising after Reece Flanagan threaded through Aram Soleman down the right but the keeper pulled off an outstanding save to parry his driven effort away at the near post.

Then Jackson was sent off by the referee after his protests when play was stopped for an injury.

The game was starting to boil over as the players continued to get frustrated and came together for a bit of a tussle.

And the Reds received another red card late on when Morgan Owen was sent off for a second bookable offence for a late challenge on Brendon Daniels.

It just wasn’t to be Redditch’s day once again.

The Reds are next in action on Saturday for a crucial clash at play-off rivals Stratford Town (3pm).

Meanwhile, Alvechurch also lost twice over the bank holiday period, going down 2-1 at home to Mickleover on Saturday with Jaanai Gordon netting late on.

Church then fell 1-0 at Halesowen Town on Monday ahead of hosting county rivals Bromsgrove Sporting on Saturday (3pm).