BOSS Paul Smith says Redditch United are not far away from turning the corner after seeing his side beaten for the second time in as many matches since taking charge.
The Reds were defeated 2-0 at unbeaten Biggleswade Town on Saturday despite a highly encouraging performance which Smith described as “ten-fold better” than the previous weekend’s which culminated in defeat by the same scoreline at Stratford Town.
The manager had a further chance to look at his options when Redditch hosted Kidderminster Harriers U23s in a friendly on Tuesday which ended 2-2 – with Ed Wagner and Jamie Ashmore on target for United – and more chance to work with the squad is on offer as the Reds have no Southern Premier Central fixture this weekend due to Stourbridge’s involvement in the FA Cup.
Smith believes his squad has what is takes to pull away from danger despite sitting five points from safety.
“I was bitterly disappointed for the lads on Saturday because they put in a big effort against an unbeaten side and came out on the wrong end of one of those games with tight margins,” said Smith.
“We produced a decent performance and created enough chances to take something out of the game.
“We had three or four great chances in the first half through Shaquille Leachman-Whittingham and Montel Gibson but didn’t take them and unfortunately we’ve been undone by two set-piece goals.
“We largely defended well against lots of corners, but when we did switch off we were punished for our mistakes and at the other end we didn’t make the most of our chances.
“The boys were down on their haunches in the dressing room afterwards but that shows what it means to them and that’s important.
“It’s about progression, about improving week on week. That was a ten-fold better performance than against Stratford.
“We’ve improved, the results are not there yet, but it’s important they keep improving.
“It’s a shame the lads didn’t get more rewards for their efforts on Saturday, but with one or two more recruits I am confident results will come.”
Next up for the Reds is Tuesday’s Southern League Challenge Cup tie at home to Halesowen Town, which is followed by a seventh away league game from ten so far when Redditch make the trip to Tamworth a week on Saturday.
