LIAM McDonald wants to bolster his side's firepower in a bid to keep Redditch United's play-off push in the Southern Premier alive.

The manager watched his side draw a blank against ten men Corby in Saturday's 1-0 loss at the Valley Stadium.

It was the Reds' first defeat in eight games but they have struggled to match their prolific scoring form since the departure of Jermaine Hylton to Swindon Town and Jamie Spencer to Kidderminster Harriers.

Currently, United have only teenagers Courtney Baker-Richardson and Luke Shearer to call upon as recognised strikers.

They have drafted in Sean Brain from Bromsgrove Sporting, who has bagged 16 goals.

But McDonald is set to bring in an experienced forward to increase United's goal power. He's looking to use connections at Birmingham City and Aston Villa.

He said: "We've got two teenagers up front, supported by other players, who we're relying on scoring goals.

"We've added Sean Brain, who is a livewire and unknown quantity for opposition teams but he's someone for next season.

"I am still looking at someone with more experience to help up front."

Meanwhile, McDonald felt his players were below their best in Saturday's defeat, in a game where Corby saw keeper Paul Walker sent off.

He said: "We let ourselves and the fans down.

"We were very flat and lacked sparked, even when Corby were reduced to ten men we couldn't find a way through.

"But it's our first defeat in eight games and Corby are a very good side.

"The players were all disappointed but I am sure they will bounce back."

Jim Mutton and Jamie Molyneux continue to be unavailable as they struggle to recover from injuries.

Molyneux has been rushed back from a broken leg and is still struggling to get up to speed.

United go to relegation battling Histon on Saturday (3pm ko).

Meanwhile, Ashley Sammons has been named captain, with Callum Flanagan club skipper and Mutton vice captain.

Levi Oshungbure, who has not featured much this season, was skipper previously.