Lively Lynn paid for not getting the killer second goal when on top, deservedly going ahead through Julian Joachim's first league strike for the club just before the break.

But skipper Lee Downes' first goal for Redditch broke the hearts of an 1,100-strong crowd in a great advert for Blue Square North football.

The Linnets showed strength, skill and speed, with pacy, direct football from the front four of Joe Francis, Joachim, Jack Defty and Michael Frew causing particular problems.

On ten minutes Joachim twisted and turned inside the box but screwed his shot just wide.

Francis had his effort blocked by Danny Lewis's body when Frew was free to his right.

Lynn had seen a penalty shouts for handball turned down, while midway through the half Defty turned the ball into the net, but this was disallowed for offside.

Lynn took the lead in the 41st minute when Joachim flick-headed home a Michael Frew free-kick from the left after Simon Hollis had fouled Francis.

Shortly afterwards Charlie Defty came on for Simon Weaver, whose cut brow did not heal after a clash of heads with Redditch forward Owen Story, who had earlier been substituted.

Ten minutes into the second half Francis again drew a save with a fierce shot from an angle when crossing may have been a better option.

Jack Defty's header was cleared off the line by Liam Daly.

But on 67 minutes Charlie Defty lost the ball and Francis did not close down Downes, who tried his luck and unleashed a 25-yard screamer into the top corner of the net.

While a point from Saturday's match was one gained, this one was two points dropped. But more displays like this and Lynn should have no problems at this level.

Lynn: Howie, Weaver (C. Defty 44), Chapman, Peters, Crane, Camm, Frew, Sedgemore (Bridgwater 71), J. Defty (Bloomfield 79), Joachim, Francis. Subs not used: Melton, Murray.

Booked: J. Defty 73.

Redditch: Lewis, Hollis (Softley 71), Edwards, Ayres, Daly, Murray, Murphy (Johnson 60), Downes, Verma, Story (Hanna 12), Rickards. Not used: Heggs, Blake.

Booked: Softley.

Referee: N. Hair (Peterborough). Attendance: 1,168.

Stats, Lynn first: shots on target 4, 3; off target 4, 2; corners 5, 2; offside 4, 1; free-kicks 11, 14.