LIAM McDonald hailed his players after Redditch United rose to the top of the Southern League Premier.

Back-to-back wins over Biggleswade and Dorchester have propelled the Reds to level on points with table-topping Poole, although the Dorset side have six games in hand on United.

But there's no doubting that United have overcome a massive transformation in their fortunes over the last 18 months.

After several years of relegation battling, McDonald and his management team have guided United to a mid-table finish in the 2013-14 campaign but they are on course to better that this time around.

"It's far too early to say we're challenging for the title, if we're in the same position with a month to go then we'll be in with a chance," said the manager.

"There's still a lot of football to be played and we might have bad little runs but we're very good at bouncing back.

"But I have to praise the players, they have worked tremendously hard to get us into this position as we go into the Christmas fixtures."

Top-scorer Jermaie Hylton bagged a brace while Ashley Sammons, George Carline and Jim Mutton all scored as United swept past Biggleswade 5-2 on Saturday.

Hylton then hit two more to make it 14 leagues goals this season as United defeated Dorchester 3-1. Carline added a third.

Redditch's top gun was also watched by scouts from MK Dons and Southampton as interest in the forward increases.

He is also set to play for Birmingham City at Manchester City in a behind the scenes game next week.

Meanwhile, hitman Jamie Spencer is set to make the step up to full-time football after agreeing to join Kidderminster Harriers.

The forward has spoken with McDonald and Kidderminster manager Gary Whild after the Vanarama Conference outfit put in seven-day bid last week.

United have started looking for a replacement and put in several approaches, including one for Tividale's Jordan Archer.

McDonald said: "When I signed Jamie I told him he's move to a full-time club and he's done that.

"I don't think there is a better finisher non-league football in the Midlands.

"We are looking for players who can step up and have the potential to be very good players."

United entertain Arlseley Town at home on Saturday (3pmko) but their Boxing Day clash at home to Hereford could be in doubt.

The Bulls must find £1 million by Friday to avoid a winding up order.