Redhead: Keep fighting (From Redditch Advertiser)

Redhead: Keep fighting

10:16am Thursday 28th February 2013 in Sport

REDDITCH United manager Simon Redhead has told his players they must keep fighting as they face another titanic clash in their relegation battle on Saturday.

The Reds welcome fellow strugglers Frome to the Valley Stadium aiming to keep their recent revival alive and kicking.

Saturday’s 4-1 victory over bottom of the table Kettering Town lifted United out of the drop zone in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier, while Tuesday's 0-0 draw at Bedworth further cemented their position.

United face another crucial test of their Premier Division credentials at home to Frome this weekend (3pm ko).

They are in good form after victories over Kettering, St Neots and Chippenham, despite losing to Banbury 2-0 last Tuesday.

“We knew there would come a period when we would face the teams around us and you’ve just got to scrap to survive,” commented Redhead.

“Everybody is fighting for their lives at the bottom and we are no different.

“I believe we’re a good team and in a false position but we’ve got to keep fighting.”

United are face a defensive injury crisis after Alex Hickman had to be replaced at the weekend after he picked up a quad injury.

Zac Costello is also a doubt as he recovers from a groin strain picked up last week. Dean Bennett is also carrying a knock.

New signing Matt West, a striker who joined from Barwell, also sustained a gash on his leg but Redhead is hopeful he will be available for the Frome clash.

With West arriving, former Stourbridge centre forward Lyndon Dovey has left Reddich after a injury hit spell at the club.

Meanwhile, a crowd of 610 watched Redditch defeat Kettering, their biggest attendance of the season. The re-launch of the club’s junior section bolstered numbers but Redhead is hoping the Poppies win encourages more fans to stay.

He added: “It was a brilliant turnout and it will be interesting to see how many people come back for the next home game.”

Redditch face Bashley at home next Tuesday (7.45pm ko). Meanwhile in the Midlands Alliance, Alvechurch will be aiming to bounce back from their narrow 1-0 loss to in-form Gornal Athletic at home to Dunkirk on Saturday (3pm ko).

The Churchmen, who faced local rivals Studley last night, then go to Kirby Muxloe next Tuesday (7.45pm ko).