Redditch United v Corby Town
Corby Town’s Buildbase FA Trophy hopes were ended as they slipped to a 4-2 defeat at Redditch United in the first qualifying round.
And it will go down as a missed opportunity for the Steelmen after they had led 2-1 at one stage before also missing a penalty to open up a two-goal advantage.
Corby was without top scorer Steve Diggin but the early exchanges saw James Ireland, Elliot Sandy and Jake Duffy all denied by home goalkeeper Kieran Boucher. However, after Romario Martin had hit the post, it was Redditch who took the lead when Rhys Hilton found the net with the aid of the far post. The lead didn’t last long though as Sandy levelled two minutes later as he lobbed Boucher and the Steelmen found themselves in front before half-time with Duffy’s free-kick being finished off by Ireland.
Corby was presented with a golden opportunity to extend that lead early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty but Sandy saw his spot-kick saved by Boucher.
The Redditch goalkeeper made another fine save as he tipped Jordon Crawford’s effort onto the post and the hosts took advantage as they ran in three goals in the final 18 minutes to seal their place in the next round.
And Martin was the hero as he hit all three of them, eventually completing his hat-trick in stoppage-time.
For the Very Best Local Sports Coverage - Read Jon Dunham / Northants Telegraph
