REDDITCH United boss Darren Byfield has criticised his team’s ability to close out games after a narrow 1-0 defeat to St Neots Town.

Birmingham City trialist Jevani Brown’s 20-yard strike was the difference in a defeat which saw Reds create chances and even hit the underside of the crossbar.

But Byfield has called on his players to show stronger character if they wish to progress in the Evo-Stik League Southern.

Byfield said: “Too many times this season we have not been able to see games out, whether that’s due to a lack of concentration, or somebody makes a mistake and it’s just not good enough.

“If we don’t win games, we need to make sure we don’t lose them.

“I have to help this squad to become stronger. I know what is wrong and I’m working hard to sort this out.

“We are bringing people in now and trying them out because we don’t want the same turnaround of players next season.

“I want to have the right players here so next season we can hit the ground running straight away.

“But I still expect the players we have now to fight for every game. We have fans who travel around the country to support us, and they expect a performance.

“It doesn’t matter who’s playing, they should be thinking about doing the best they can for the rest of this season.”

St Neots had the edge throughout the first half and could have nudged in front through efforts from James Tricks, Tom Knowles and Brown within the opening 20 minutes before Reds upped the ante.

Jhai Dhillon shot into the side netting and Luke Keen had a shot blocked by Johnny Herd and Redditch came out with plenty of impetus in the second half.

Dhillon was denied once more and Angus could not have gone any closer to the opener with his blast from the edge of the box on 58 minutes.

Reds continued to press but St Neots carried a threat on the break and Catlow did well to save a Declan Rogers free-kick.

The visiting custodian could do nothing when Brown’s perfectly-placed effort flew beyond his grasp and while Reds pushed forward with purpose late on, even sending Catlow up for a late corner, there was no way through.

Byfield has a full squad to choose from when his United side host Hitchin Town at The Valley on Saturday.

The manager added: “Hitchin were my tip to win the league, and even though they have had a couple of bad results in the last few weeks they are a very strong side.

“To me they’re probably the best side we have played this season so we will really have to be at our best this weekend.”