DARREN Byfield has challenged his Redditch United players to find the consistency needed to make waves at the top of the Southern Premier League following a brilliant start to the new season.

Reds began the campaign with a 5-0 win against Dunstable Town last Saturday when Dior Angus fired home a first half hat-trick.

Debutants Spencer Weir-Daley and Vinny Mukendi also found the net on a pleasing opening day at the Trico Stadium.

Byfield now wants his squad to build on the victory and add the consistency that they lacked last term.

He said: "It was a really pleasing performance and I was delighted with the clean sheet.

"The boys have been superb over pre-season and that is what we have been building towards.

"But I don't want to get carried away with just one game because the true test is being able to perform that way on a consistent basis.

"Moving down to this level has shown me that it isn't ability that's the difference between higher leagues, it's consistency and mental strength.

"Hopefully myself and the coaching team can help add that to the side and we can keep growing together.

"I'm confident that we can give anyone a game at this level if we can regularly play to our best. We really don't fear anyone."

Byfield was full of praise for Angus following his opening day goal feast.

He added: "I was absolutely delighted for Dior. His attitude is exemplary and it was great to see him get his rewards.

"He called me during the summer and asked for extra training and he's always the last one staying behind after training to work on other things.

"He's a player that is prepared to give that extra one per cent to try and better himself. It paid off this week."

Reds are due to go to promotion hopefuls Kettering on Tuesday night before a trip to Farnborough this Saturday.

Goalkeeper Ethan Ross made his debut against Dunstable after linking up on a three-month loan from Premier League side West Bromwich Albion but last season's stopper Brad Catlow has decided to leave the club.

Meanwhile, Byfield has boosted his midfield options by offering a deal to former Harrogate man Andi Thanoj following a successful trial.