REDDITCH United Women began the season with a 2-1 victory against Crusaders Women to reach the next round of the FA Cup.
Goals either side of half time from Maddy Sutton and Emily Douglas booked Redditch’s place in the next round at the Valley Stadium.
Redditch will travel to Sedgley and Gornal United Women in Second Round Qualifying on Sunday, September 22.
United’s stand-in goalkeeper Ellie Baker made an early save to keep the scores level before Chloe Bailey and Douglas were both denied by the Crusaders keeper.
And the Reds went close again as the Crusaders goalkeeper saved Robyn Hall’s effort after she drove into the box.
However, Redditch eventually broke the deadlock on 40 minutes when Sutton tapped home after good work from Zoe Pygott down the left.
The home side picked up where they left off after the break with Hall and substitute Humera Ashfaq both denied by the Crusaders keeper.
And the Reds doubled their lead on 64 minutes as Douglas found the bottom left corner to score her first goal for the club from Ashfaq’s through ball.
Redditch almost sealed their place in the next round soon after as Sutton’s looping effort from Ashfaq’s cross went narrowly wide.
Crusaders halved the deficit on 72 minutes when Danielle Selmes found the net to set up a grandstand finish.
However, the Reds held firm and should have put the game to bed as Bailey saw a good chance saved before Douglas hit the crossbar late on.
Redditch begin their West Midlands Regional League Division One South campaign against Solihull Moors Foundation on Sunday, September 8 with kick-off at 2pm.
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