MATT Clarke hopes Redditch United’s dramatic last gasp victory against local rivals Bromsgrove Sporting has shut some of his doubters up.
The Reds snatched the points at the death courtesy of substitute Ryan Boothe’s 98th-minute header at the Valley Stadium.
The result means Redditch sit 16th in the Southern League Premier Central table, four points clear of the relegation zone.
And Clarke stressed his side still has to work to do to secure their place in the division next season.
Clarke said: “Relief is the word, when you’ve been on a real tough run, there’s nothing better than a last-minute winner against your local rivals.
“We showed really good character and in the end it’s a fantastic feeling to get that win.
“The reality was, we’ve been on a bad run, we changed it around, we bought four people in, we had to that.
“I felt if we kept doing the same things as we’ve been doing, we’ll keep getting the same results, the dressing room needed a lift.
“That’s six on the bounce against Bromsgrove, there were a few things said that really upset me in the lead up to the game that came from them or staff members.
“It was really unprofessional and out of order, it gave us a little bit more of an incentive to go out and get the result and we deserved it.
“People have knocked us and knocked me, hopefully that has shut a few people up.
“The emotions at the end just shows you what togetherness there is in the dressing room.
“That’s what you need when you’re under the cosh a little bit and fighting for your lives, the response was outstanding.
“We’re not stupid, we understand that the job is not done yet, we’ve got a lot to do to ensure our safety in this league.”
A minute’s applause took place before kick-off in memory of former Redditch and Bromsgrove midfielder Tom Rankin who died three years ago.
The Reds created an early chance when Joel Shambrook played a long pass in-behind the Sporting defence as Cyrus Babaie and Sporting goalkeeper Charlie Price competed for the high ball before Aaron Roberts cleared to safety.
And the home side went close again as Anthony Dwyer headed down another long pass only for Price to deny the striker from close range.
Sporting responded with a chance at the other end as Ollie Taylor kept out Theo Robinson’s powerful low drive at his near post.
Bromsgrove thought they had taken the lead early in the second period when Aksum White’s hanging cross deflected into the net off a Redditch defender.
However, the referee awarded the Reds a free-kick after Kyle Rowley went down following an aerial challenge for the ball with Jack Newall and Robinson.
The Rouslers remained on top as Taylor pushed Billy Shaw’s effort to safety from Newall’s defence-splitting pass.
The home side looked to trouble Sporting at the other end as Ben Lomax floated in a cross from the right and Babaie headed wide at the back post.
Sporting almost won the game late on as Jamie Meddows’ free-kick from the right bounced in the penalty area as Taylor claimed the ball at the second attempt.
However, the Reds snatched the points eight minutes into injury time when Boothe headed Josh Esen’s cross from the left into the bottom left corner from six-yards out.
United boss Clarke and his coaching staff ran across the pitch to celebrate as the Reds secured a first win in 10 matches and sealed a sixth successive victory against Sporting.
Redditch are next in action against Stratford Town on Saturday, April 5 with kick-off at 3pm at the Valley Stadium.
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