LIAM McDonald refused to push the panic button after Redditch United suffered an opening day loss at the hands of Cirencester.

Zack Kotwica’s second half strike saw the three points return to Gloucestershire in a game where midfielder George Carline had a penalty saved.

United had dominated the first half but paid the price for a host of missed chances.

McDonald said: “The lads were disappointed and it was a disappointing result.

“We didn’t pass the ball well enough and that was damaging because our game is based on possession.

“If we had scored the penalty the momentum would have been different but Cirencester improved.

“We’ve got a lot of new players, so it’s going to take two months for the team to settle in.

“I am prepared for that and if it takes time then so be it.

“There were some positives from the game but it was unfortunate we lost.”

United, who were set to go to much-fancied Kettering on Tuesday night, then go to Biggleswade in the Southern League Premier on Saturday and entertain Hungerford next Monday.

Striker Daniel Dubidat will have served a two-match ban he picked up playing at the end of last season while at Bedworth this week.

But midfielders Max Loveridge (foot) and Simeon Maye (ankle) are injury doubts.

The manager added: “Kettering are a side who are tipped to be challenging for the title and Biggleswade and Hungerford won’t be easy, so we’ve got some tough games coming up.”