LIAM McDonald is set to ring the changes in order to ensure Redditch United bounce back from their Boxing Day defeat to Stratford.

The Reds were edged out 1-0 to end their 11-game unbeaten run in the Southern League Premier.

But despite creating a host of chances and being thwarted by keeper Andy Kemp, the manager felt let down by the display.

With Merthyr Town coming to the Valley Stadium on Saturday (3pm ko), McDonald is set alter his team significantly.

He said: “Stratford’s keeper made two or three good saves and we were better in terms of possession but I felt let down by a few players.

“Stratford were very physical and we weren’t strong enough, which isn’t like us.

“Maybe I picked the wrong side as well but I felt very low after the result and the players know how I feel.

“But we had been drawing games, but now we’ve lost maybe that will take the pressure off us.

“We’ll have the players in on Tuesday and Wednesday training and we’ll be working hard to put things right.”

Redditch slipped out of the play-off spots to seventh but remain just three points behind second-placed Chippenham Town.

McDonald is hoping to have a new forward signed before Saturday’s clash.

He added: “We’ve managed to pick up points despite not playing well and if we explode back to form they will prove to be important.”