THE ADDITION of four new faces could not inspire Redditch United to success as fixtures against Tamworth and Coalville Town failed to yield any reward.
Boss Ian King was busy in the transfer market before the weekend visit to The Lamb to face Tamworth but his side were beaten 3-0, albeit a scoreline which flattered the hosts somewhat.
Tuesday’s visit of Coalville to the Trico was also a tough test for the Reds who, despite a battling effort, were sunk 3-2 by the Ravens.
The defeats – both against sides in the top four – leave United 14th in Southern Premier Central with nine points from eight games, although they will have to wait until a week on Saturday for the opportunity to bounce back when they host St Ives Town.
Keeper Corey Addai, centre-back Josh Martin and attacker Louis Monaghan were all handed starts at Tamworth, with fellow new recruit Romario Martin on the bench.
However, in-form Tamworth soon had Coventry City loanee Addai picking the ball out of his net when Tyrell Waite fired home on 13 minutes, but not before United’s Callum Coyle had struck the woodwork and Rhys Hilton’s follow-up was cleared off the line.
Addai showed hesitancy coming for a long ball and was punished as Ahmed Obeng nipped in to head Tamworth into a 2-0 lead inside 19 minutes and the outcome was virtually put beyond doubt with a third goal for the hosts ten minutes before the break when Gregory Kaziboni rifled home impressively.
Redditch gave a far better account of themselves in the second period but despite the impressive Hilton and Coyle going close they could not find a way back into the match.
Battling display
Coalville are expected to be among the promotion contenders and it showed in midweek but United hung in there valiantly in an entertaining affair.
Again Josh Martin – a former Birmingham City player snapped up from Hungerford Town – lined up alongside Jordan Stoddart but they and the rest of the Reds’ rearguard struggled to contain a lively visiting attack.
Tom McGlinchey put Town ahead on 12 minutes and also had a goal ruled out for offside before the Reds levelled in the 38th minute when midfielder Jack Newell converted with the third Redditch attempt at goal in a frantic few seconds of pinball in the Coalville box.
Redditch were a threat on the break but struggled to keep Coalville at bay and it was no surprise to see in-form Alex Dean score twice in nine minutes to put the visitors in command at 3-1 up after 70 minutes.
However, with Hilton and Romario Martin – a St Kitts and Nevis international from Nuneaton Borough – introduced from the bench, the hosts stepped up their efforts and were given hope when Charlie Jemson was sent off for hauling down the last man.
Ollie Mulders hit the outside of the post from the resulting free kick but Monaghan – signed the previous week from Sutton Coldfield Town – made it 3-2 with a close-range strike on 90 minutes.
However, despite a tense three minutes of added time, United were unable to conjure an equaliser.
