LIAM McDonald has called on his Redditch United players to find their mental toughness after suffering a third straight loss in the Southern League Premier.

The Reds were stunned by mid-table Paulton on Saturday, who had been reduced to ten men after keeper Kyle Phillips was sent off.

United's next test is a trip to second-placed Weymouth in the league on Saturday (3pm ko), who themselves will be smarting after suffered a 4-0 home loss to table-topping Poole at the weekend.

McDonald had no excuses after watching one of Redditch's poorest display of the campaign as they slipped to only their second home loss since September.

He said: "You can have all the ability in the world and be very fit but that's not enough, it's all about mental toughness as well.

"The Paulton game was a bad day at the office and we have to put it behind us as quick as we can.

"The players have to be able to take responsibility in a game. We have a very young team, with many players still in their first season playing at this level, but that's no excuse.

"It's about mental toughness, the players have to be tougher and Weymouth will certain provide a test for us on Saturday."

McDonald has now new injuries to worry about but is set to reshuffle his team, with the highly experienced Ashley Sammons set to return to the starting line-up.

With the departure of Jermaine Hylton to Swindon, Sammons is United's leading scorer with 12 goals in the league.

But the midfielder has struggled to replicate his excellent form from the first half of the season.

McDonald said: I thought Ashley needed a rest so he could recharge his batteries.

"He's not been at his best recently but I also wanted to send out the message anyone can be dropped if they are not playing well."

United continue their defence of the Worcestershire Senior Cup next Tuesday when they entertain Worcester City at home (7.45pm ko) in the semi-finals.