LIAM McDonald hailed the impact of midfield goal-scoring maestro Ashley Sammons as Redditch United maintained their play-off push.

Sammons' impressive strike ensured United got back to winning ways at Dorchester.

It was a 14th strike of a particularly prolific Southern Premier campaign for Sammons, who is also riding high in the league's goal-scoring charts.

The victory in Dorset mean United are seventh in the table and just a point off the top five with a superior goal-difference compared to some of their rivals.

While United have seen Jermaine Hylton, who plundered 18 goals, leave for Swindon, United's central midfield finisher has continued to lead the way.

"Ashley has been firing goals into the top corner all season," said McDonald.

"When you've got a midfielder who has scored more goals than many strikers in the division you know you've got a special player.

"His technique for the goal was very good and he gives the team another dimension.

"Dorchester came out and attacked us but we defended well, let them have the ball and then hit them on the break.

"At times it was an ugly game but we found a way to win."

United, who are unbeaten in seven games, face another huge test of their promotion credentials on Saturday, when they tackle second-placed Corby at home on Saturday (3pm ko).

The Steelmen are still chasing Poole for the title and McDonald expects a very tough game.

He said: "It's going to be a very hard game because Corby are a good side.

"But I feel with the way we are playing and our defence we can get a result.

"If we can score a couple of goals then I would back our defence to keep them at bay.

"We've got the third best defence in the league, the back five are playing so well."

Meanwhile, United's hopes of securing a deal with landlords Redditch Borough Council seem to have been given a lift by Cllr Greg Chance Redditch chairman Chris Swan is considering moving the Reds away from the Valley Stadium after proposed ground improvements were stalled by a possible rent increase.

Cllr Chance, who is ward member and portfolio holder for economic development, said: “I would like to confirm that as a council we are fully committed to supporting Redditch United.

"They are definitely a club on the up and they contribute so much to the town both economically and through their community work.

“We would like to see the club continue to go from strength to strength and remain a pillar of pride in the Redditch community. We look forward to working with them to get the best out of the club and helping them achieve goals – both literally and economically!

“Exciting times lie ahead for the club with potential pitch improvements on offer from the FA and we hope to support them throughout this period and into the future. The council have restrictions and set procedures to follow but we will always do our best to support, advise and enable Redditch Utd. to thrive.”

Swan is set to meet with council representatives on March 31 to discuss the matter.