MANAGER Darren Byfield admits that inconsistency is holding back his Redditch United side.

The boss at the Valley Stadium is calling on his players to improve their erratic displays sooner rather than later.

The Reds claimed a fine 1-0 victory over high-flying Dunstable last Tuesday but then failed to back that up as they slipped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Biggleswade Town on Saturday.

It means Byfield's side has won six and loss six of their first 12 games this season.

The manager is under no illusion about the issue that is dogging his squad.

He said: "We're looking for consistency. We just don't have that at the moment and it is something we are trying to embed in the players.

"They have to match the same levels each week.

"Their challenge now is to try and win three in a row. The teams at the top are the ones that are able to put a run of wins together. If we can do that then we'll start to push on.

"It's frustrating because I know what they are capable of but they just have to show it more.

"I think they need a little help now because that inconsistency is harming us."

Byfield has already bolstered his ranks with the arrival of George Washbourne on loan from Sutton Coldfield. He's in line to make his first start this Saturday at home against Hayes and Yeading United (3pm kick-off).

The Reds boss also said he has made approaches for three other players as he looks to add extra quality to his side.

Redditch are set to take on Stratford United in the league cup tonight but Byfield is due to use the clash to hand starts to fringe players that need extra game time.

"We want to bring in some players now with more quality that can buy in to what we are trying to do here," Byfield added.

"I want extra forward options but it's clear we need more competition at the back as well because we haven't kept enough clean sheets.

"We have put in our best performances against Frome and Dunstable so I don't think we're that far away. It's just about making a few tweaks in the right areas and bringing in the right players to make sure we find that consistency."