Match report by Chris Hudson
One moment of sheer quality lit up an otherwise dour clash at the Valley Stadium - and it was enough for AFC Telford United to record a third straight win.
Redditch, in a strip that might have been modelled on a barbers’ pole, launched an aerial bombardment on the Telford goal - but it was always the visitors who had the greater cutting edge.
It was a close shave in the end, with the hosts finishing the stronger, but the game could - and should - have been well and truly buried by then.
The only real highlight came just short of the half hour, Terry Fearns lifting a ball over the top of the Redditch defence for the hard-working Andy Brown to run on to.
He advanced a few paces before lofting his shot over on-coming keeper Danny Lewis.
It was just reward for Brown, who was Telford’s hardest working player throughout the afternoon.
His partnership with Fearns continues to flourish and their understanding appears to be improving with every game.
Fearns has the edge in the goal stakes at present, but Brown already looks like he could be giving his Scouse partner a run for his money throughout the season.
Either one of them could have added one more to their tally in the first half, as they both hit the woodwork in one attack 10 minutes before the break.
Brown headed against the crossbar off Jon Adams’ cross from the left and Fearns then fired the rebound back against the same spot.
Another goal then would well and truly have killed the game, but as it was the Bucks were forced to hold on throughout a turgid second half that did little to keep either set of fans entertained.
Redditch’s direct approach is never going to make for sexy football, but it did provide an under-fire Telford defence with a challenge.
Boss Rob Smith would have been most satisfied though, as his side finally recorded a clean sheet at the fourth attempt.
Perfect it wasn’t, but the three centre-backs were much more assured on this occasion - and Carl Rodgers, in particular, proved a pivotal figure.
The midfielder who has been converted into a defender was an immovable object, making one tremendous tackle to deny Chris Hanna in the first half as well as hacking away a goal-bound Carl Heggs effort in the second period.
On the two flanks, too, the Bucks were on top of their game.
Martyn Naylor has impressed ever since returning to the New Bucks Head and this was a display of grit and determination very much in keeping with what we have now come to expect.
His long throws were as good as a corner, and Telford caused problems for the Redditch defence on several occasions as result of the right wing-back’s impressive delivery.
On the left, Lee Vaughan was dogged in his first start of the season and managed to contain the Redditch dangerman Danny Edwards.
The better chances did come Telford’s way, and they could have extended their lead in the second half.
Gavin Cowan had a header hacked off the line by former Buck Chris Murphy, while Rodgers got in a glancing header that flashed just wide.
Lively substitute Jarred Stevens made a late burst on the right but chose the glory option and was charged down going for goal instead of pulling the ball back for the waiting Liam Blakeman.
The home side were largely restricted to shots from the edge of the area and saw numerous efforts charged down.
Many sides will surely buckle under such a sustained assault from the air, though, and Telford can take pride in how they handled the threat.
Another stern test was in the offering at home to Alfreton this afternoon.
But, whatever the outcome of that one, Bucks fans will already be optimistic for their chances over the next nine months.
Match facts:
REDDITCH: Lewis, Hollis (Story 57), Edwards, Ayres, Daly, Murray, Murphy (Forinton 57), Downes, Hanna (Johnson74), Heggs, Rickards. Subs not used: Verma, Softley. Booked: Murray (44) - foul.
AFC TELFORD: Young, Naylor, Vaughan, Cowan, Whitehead, Rodgers, Adams, Nwadike (Vermiglio 60), Fearns (Stevens 85), Brown, Moore (Blakeman 67). Subs not used: Jagielka, Fitzpatrick. Booked: None.
REFEREE: C Dunn (Newcastle-under-Lyme).
ATTENDANCE: 669.
Goal Log:
0-1 Brown (28) - calmly lofted the ball over the advancing keeper after latching on to Fearns’ pass over the top of the Redditch defence.
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