Redhead sets survival target (From Redditch Advertiser)

Redhead sets survival target

9:47am Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport

MANAGER Simon Redhead has targeted 45 points as the margin for safety for his in-form Redditch United side.

The Reds took significant step towards alleviating their relegation worries in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division with Saturday’s 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Frome Town on Saturday.

That win means United, who faced another vital six-pointer at home to Bashley last night, have picked up seven points from the last three games.

Their victory over basement boys Kettering, a battling 0-0 draw at Bedworth last Tuesday and the weekend’s defeat of Frome means Redditch have hit some form at the right time.

“I think we need to get as close to the mid-40s in terms of points as we possibly can to make sure we are safe,” said Redhead.

Victory at the Valley on Saturday was edge of the seat stuff as midfielder Liam McDonald sealed three points late on.

Midfielder-turned-striker Will Richards opened the scoring with his eighth goal of the campaign only for it to be cancelled out by Ricky Hulbert.

Rugged Redditch held their nerve to win the match at the death when they were awarded a penalty, after Richards had been pulled back and McDonald smashed the spot-kick home.

“It was a strange game,” said Redhead. “I think a draw would have been a fair result.

“I don’t think we did enough to deserve to win the game “We have played better and lost but earlier in the season we would have subsided when they equalised and ended up getting beat.

“At this stage of the season, it’s all about the points. It’s not about well you play.”

United face two testing away games over the next seven days, going to AFC Totton on Saturday (3pm ko) and leaders Leamington next Tuesday (7.45pm ko).

Richards has put United’s recent good form down to the renewed team spirit at the club.

“The atmosphere is so much better in the dressing room now,” added Richards.

“There’s a good bunch of lads, good players as well, and you look at the bench now and it’s so much stronger than it was.

“We’ve got some momentum now and we’ve got to keep it going.

“It’s a young team but we’ve got Asa Charlton, Liam McDonald, Dean Bennett and Mark Hands and they are experienced players.

“Josh Quaynor, Leavi Oshungbure, Jermaine Hylton, George Washbourne, Calum Flanagan are good young players and, like me, they need guidance.”