Derby Ends All-Square

A terrific Monday evening crowd of 933 saw neighbours Redditch United and Bromsgrove Sporting share a 1-1 draw in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central at the Trico Stadium.

Five points but seven places separated the sides at kick-off, with the hosts hovering too close to the relegation places for comfort, and whilst most pundits though the Rouslers would be promotion challengers this season, they are gradually improving now under new boss Gavin Hurren after a disappointing start.

And it was his side who took the lead after 12 minutes when Jamie Molyneux fired past Redditch `keeper Kieran Boucher from an acute angle – one which the former Aston Villa youngster would have been a bit disappointed to have conceded.

Sporting had the upper hand for the first part of the opening period, but Matt Clarke`s side gradually got themselves a foothold in the game and had the better of the second part of the half and youngster Charlie Williams had a great chance to equalise just before the break but headed over.

The second period saw the Reds on the front foot, and they pushed for an equaliser.

Despite having the lions` share of possession, it didn`t look as though that leveller would come – until the 88th minute when Jamie Ashmore looped a header over Aaron Clayton.