REDDITCH boss Darren Byfield thinks the late leveller against Cinderford Town could hand his players the lift they need to get back to winning ways.

Reds ended their seven-match losing streak when Luke Rodgers struck late at bottom-of-the-table Town last Saturday.

Despite being marooned at the foot of the Southern League Premier Division, the hosts had won their previous three outings and looked on course for another success thanks to a 76th-minute strike from Sam Hicks.

But ex-Shrewsbury Town frontrunner Rodgers saved the day with some strong hold up play and a controlled finish beyond advancing keeper Cameron Clark in the 90th minute to make it 1-1.

Byfield said: "You want to win every game but when you are on a poor run and they have recently beaten third-placed Slough then you have to take that.

"I actually think we could have been 3-0 up at the break. We have missed an open goal and their keeper has made three good saves.

"When you score so late to earn a point it always feels like a victory.

"That could be just the boost we need even though we didn't get the win. It was important that we stopped our losing run and we have done that now.

"Hopefully we can build on it and start putting on a show for the fans until the end of the season."

Rodgers' appearance for the Reds was a brief one after he completed a move to Northern Premier League promotion contenders Stourbridge this week.

Byfield is disappointed not to have the striker for longer but was grateful for his efforts at Cinderford.

He added: "It was great that Luke came and played for us because Stourbridge have been in for him for a few weeks. He didn't have to play but I have known him since he was 11 and he agreed to turn out.

"He did really well and that is the sort of calibre of player I want to get in for next season. It shows how having those players can lift you."

Byfield was also pleased with the impact of new signing Mo Diop. He arrived from Rushall Olympic last week and came off the bench to set up the equaliser.

The boss is again keen to add a few extra faces ahead of this Saturday's home clash with Dorchester Town (3pm kick-off).