REDDITCH United boss Darren Byfield says he was "ashamed" of his side's defeat at Dunstable.

The Reds continued their poor post-Christmas form with a 1-0 loss last Saturday.

The boss praised the travelling fans after the defeat and again underlined his desire to turn United into a force next season, but admitted the game made poor viewing.

He said: "We were as bad as against Frome and I was upset with the performance.

"After that I can understand fans being frustrated. These fans are travelling to watch us and we aren't even doing the simple things right.

"We aren't running around enough or putting our foot in when we need to, all things that should be a given. It's not everyone but there are certain individuals that are letting us down.

"I was ashamed and embarrassed by that and all I can think is fair play for the fans sticking around.

"As a fan, I'd have left with them at half time if that's what they chose to do.

Adam Pepera’s 17th-minute header ultimately separated the mid-table sides in a dour clash at Creasey Park.

Since tucking into their festive turkey, United have scored just three goals en route to registering two points from five matches to leave them 11 points shy of the Southern League play-off places.

Reds boss Darren Byfield made one change to his starting XI with goalkeeper Luke O’Reilly, who the club have signed on a temporary basis from Cardiff City, replacing regular custodian Brad Catlow.

The visitors made light of the blustery and difficult conditions to edge the opening exchanges, albeit without making much headway in the final third.

Dunstable landed the telling blow when Pepera’s finish from a corner was out of O’Reilly’s reach and the rest of the first half was played out without incident.

United were again on the front foot after the restart and this time created more. Dior Angus unleashed a shot which flashed narrowly wide from the edge of the box 10 minutes into the second half.

Max Loveridge, one of two half-time substitutes brought on by Byfield, then teed up Angus to fire over just past the hour mark but the bright patch proved a false dawn.

O’Reilly was called upon to punch away from the top corner a shot from distance as Dunstable tried to seal their success before a series of late Redditch corners came to nothing.

"The big positive for me is that I now know exactly what we need," added Byfield, who also said he could turn to youth for the final months of the season.

"I just want to entertain the fans now and will concentrate on developing some of our younger players. We won't finish in the play-offs now and we won't go down, so that gives us the change to work with the youngsters.

"There are six first team players that I want around next season but everyone else is playing for their futures.

"I'd like to thank the fans for their support and hope they can come and support some of the young lads that we give a chance to. I also want them to know that I have learned a lot and know exactly what I need next season."

United were looking to stop the rot when they went to Merthyr Town last night. They will now welcome Chippenham Town to the Valley Stadium this Saturday (3pm).