EXTRA training was the request from Redditch United's players ahead of their Blue Square Conference North opener at Vauxhall Motors on Saturday.

The Reds rounded off a frenetic week of pre-season games with a 1-1 draw with Bromsgrove Rovers on Thursday before beating Sutton Coldfield Town 2-1 two days later.

And although there are no games pencilled in for this week, manager Gary Whild is confident his players will be ready for their trip north at the weekend.

"The lads asked if they could do an extra session," said Whild.

"You don't get that very often but I think we will spend the time working on set-pieces and preparing for the Vauxhall Motors match.

"We are all looking forward to getting started now.

"We have our match on Saturday and then a huge game at the Valley Stadium on Tuesday against Tamworth.

"As a non-league club, you never know how much you get out of pre-season games. Players always seem to show a different attitude when it comes to the real thing."

Exodus Geoghaghan scored the goal that earned Reds a 1-1 draw with neighbours Bromsgrove, while Richad Ball and James Johnson netted at Sutton Coldfield.

Johnson's winner came just days after agreeing a deal with the Valley Stadium side and his manager is hoping to bring the best out of the former Birmingham City youngster.

"He is happy to be back in football after some time away from the game and has settled in well at the club," Whild said.

"He caught the eye when he played for the Blues against us. He is exciting to watch and is a big strong lad with bags of ability and pace."

And his cool finish after latching onto a through ball for Saturday's winner means he could offer his manager an option in attack.

"Most of the team can play in a number of positions and he certainly comes into that category," Whild added.

Midfielder Chris Murphy played the final 20 minutes at Sutton Coldfield after recoving from an ankle injury picked up in training two weeks ago.

And Richard Softley is expected at training tomorrow after missing all four Redditch games.