Redditch United 3, Stratford Town 2

LIAM McDONALD revealed a half-time rollicking sparked a second-half fightback as Redditch ended the bank holiday weekend with back-to-back wins.

Actions, so they say, speak louder than words but the Reds manager’s straight talking provided the impetus to turn round a 2-1 deficit on Monday.

Two goals from skipper Daniel Dubidat, making it four in two matches, sealed the points before Stratford ended with nine men after Joe Halsall picked up two bookings and Tyrone Fagan collected a straight red card in the final two minutes.

Such had been McDonald’s annoyance at the first-half display that he lit rip with some stern words but he was delighted how they players responded.

“Words were said but I got the reaction I wanted,” said McDonald. “I was disappointed with the first hald and the manner of the goals we conceded but we put it right.

“In the end I felt the best team won.”

The hosts had led through Jordan Archer’s smart finish to a Kyle Haynes’ pull-back on 24 minutes but six minutes later Stratford had gone ahead with two goals from former Reds striker Edwin Ahenkorah, the first a solo run and precise finish and then a smart turn and low shot.

But the Reds levelled on 65 minutes, with Dubidat stroking home a penalty after Luke Shearer had been flattened and then Dubidat bagged the winner 14 minutes from time after converting a Jamey Osborne corner from the left.

“Dubidat took his goals well - if you put the ball into the box he will hit it into the back of the net,” added McDonald. Enough said.

REDDITCH: Parsons 6; Haynes 6, Mutton 7, Flanagan 6, Ashmore 6; Carline 6, Westbrook (Bunn 7, 58), Osborne 7, Archer (Liburd 85) 7; Shearer 6 (Molyneux 6, 68), Dubidat 7. Subs: Morton.