REDDITCH United manager Liam McDonald admits he's relishing a vital week in his team's Southern League Premier title chances.

The Reds moved up to third in the table after Saturday's 3-1 win over St Neots.

But they face a vital week as they welcome two of their top five rivals to the Valley Stadium over the next seven days.

First, United entertain fifth-placed Hitchin on Saturday (3pm ko) before welcoming current leaders Poole next Tuesday (7.45pm ko).

After the weekend's results, Redditch are three points behind the table-toppers on the same number of games played.

McDonald said: "I am excited by the next two games and so are the lads, they are why you get into football.

"We face two games which could be season defining and we're going in confident after three wins in a row.

"I think a win and a draw would be fine but we're looking forward to win these games."

United are flying high after trouncing bottom club Bideford away last Tuesday before following that up with an impressive win in Cambridgeshire.

They had to battle back from behind thanks to goals for Jamey Osborne, Jordan Cullinane-Liburd and Jazz Luckie.

In recent weeks, Redditch have found their feet in front of goal increasing their difference to a healthy 27, although they still tend to share them around.

McDonald added: "Bideford may be bottom but it's a long trip on a Tuesday night and we won well.

"Even though St Neots are mid-table they have a big budget and have some very good players.

"The first half was quite tight but as the game wore on we kept hitting them on the break and scoring more goals. We could have scored more but I will take 3-1 at St Neots."