PREVIEW: Redditch United (A)
When: Saturday 25th April (15:00 KO)
Where: The Valley Stadium, Bromsgrove Road, Redditch, Worcestershire, B97 4AU
What3Words: ///pretty.needed.chill
Quorn’s debut season in step three comes to a close the same way it began, with a trip to Worcestershire. This time the reds will be facing Redditch United, who still have a chance to make the playoffs, but they need to win, and hope for help elsewhere.
Quorn’s Form:
Despite throwing everything at it, Quorn have gone three games without a win, ending their hopes of a playoff place with a point at home to Needham Market on Saturday in a thrilling 2-2 draw. The damage had been done in the previous two matches, losing 1-0 away to Stamford as they were reduced to nine men on Easter Monday, and a heart-breaking 2-1 defeat at home to Leiston as the Blues scored with the final kick of the match. Regardless of whatever happens on Saturday, it’s been a remarkable season for arguably the smallest club in the division, who were widely tipped for relegation. There could be more memories to come as well, with a County Cup final to play in May.
The Opposition:
Much like Quorn, United, also known as the Reds, have flirted with the playoffs all season, falling away in April after a short winless streak. Redditch haven’t won in any of their last four contests, losing two and drawing two, a run that has seen them drop to seventh, just two points better off than Quorn. A 3-1 derby defeat away to Worcester City on Easter Monday was followed by a 4-1 mauling at home to Real Bedford, before draws away to Kettering Town (1-1) and Banbury United (0-0) were enough to keep them in the hunt.
Head-to-head:
The two sides have met just once before, a thrilling opening 22 minutes saw all five goals in a 3-2 win for Quorn, where they twice come from behind. Finn O’Boyle levelled in the 14th minute after Fabian Reynolds had handed the visitors a fourth minute lead. Parity didn’t last long though as Dexter Dudley-Toole put United back ahead in the 16th minute. Quorn struck back just as quickly though, with Ryan Beswick coolly dispatching a spot kick in the 18th minute. Simeon Cobourne struck the final goal in a breathless opening 22 minutes as the two sides then played out a stalemate on a cold Tuesday evening in early December.
One-to-watch:
Alex Cameron is the man to watch for the Reds. The forward has been almost ever-present in the number nine shirt, making 37 appearances this season, and leading the team with 12 goals. Although still only 25, Cameron is in his fourth spell at the Valley, having previously departed for stints at Sporting Khalsa, Rushall Olympic and Halesowen Town.
Travel:
Take the A512 from Loughborough, through Shepshed, and out towards Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Turning south onto the A42, remain on the road as it becomes the M42, exiting at junction two. At the roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A441 dual carriageway for two miles. At the island turn left into Birmingham road, continuing along the A441 for approximately 1.2 miles. You will pass through a set of traffic lights and a small roundabout (new houses on right). At the next major island, Sainsbury’s Petrol Station on left, take the 4th exit into Middlehouse lane, (next to Fire Station). At the traffic lights turn left in Birmingham Road, you will then need to take the next right into Clive Road. At the next island turn left into Hewell Road. At the T-Junction turn right, continue along Bromsgrove Road, passing Bus and Train Station. At the brow of the hill turn right into the drive next to Hill View Surgery and continue down the drive to the ground’s entrance.
Ticket Prices:
Adult £12.00, Concessions £9.00, Child (14-17 Year Olds with ID) £5.00, U14s Free.
Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Redditch United website.