STRATFORD TOWN slumped to a disappointing 3-0 defeat away at Redditch United to extend their winless run to five matches.
Aram Soleman, Ryan Wollacott and Dan Sweeney were all on target at the Trico Stadium as both teams finished the game with 10-men.
Jack Storer saw red for Stratford in the closing stages after Jamie Ashmore had received his marching orders for the home side.
Stratford now sit 14th in the Southern League Premier Central table, four points clear of the relegation zone, having gone six hours and 45 minutes without scoring a goal.
Tim Flowers’ side made a slow start as Sweeney’s low effort went wide before Wollacott headed narrowly over from a corner.
And the deadlock was broken on 39 minutes when Soleman finished superbly past Stratford goalkeeper Murphy Mahoney after a flowing one-touch move.
The Bards almost found an equaliser when Storer broke in-behind the Redditch defence before his low cross drifted wide of the post.
The teams traded chances soon after when Sweeney curled a long range effort just wide with Stratford’s William Dawes shooting well over at the other end.
Redditch came close to doubling their lead when Sweeney’s low ball across the six-yard box was almost turned into his own net by a Stratford defender.
From the resulting corner, Reds captain Wollacott rose highest to head into the top right corner on 70 minutes from Charlie Williams’ cross.
However, home defender Jamie Ashmore received a second yellow card for time wasting five minutes later to set up a tense finish.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Redditch remained on top and almost extended their lead when Soleman’s cross was deflected into the hands of Mahoney.
And the visitors were then reduced to 10-men when Storer picked up a second booking for a late challenge on substitute Kieron Dawes with five minutes left to play.
Redditch completed the win on 89 minutes when Sweeney’s 25-yard effort found the top right corner via the aid of a slight deflection.
Stratford are next in action at home to Tamworth on Saturday, January 22 with kick-off at 3pm at the Arden Garages Stadium.
