REDDITCH United manager Liam McDonald wants his side to enjoy their Southern League Premier title push as the season reaches a crucial phase.

The Valley Stadium outfit are top of the table after a testing Easter weekend, one point ahead of main title rivals Poole Town.

United defeated basement boys Bideford 4-1 on Saturday but lost 2-1 at Merthyr on Monday and have six games of the season left.

But the automatic promotion race is wide open, with the top five separated by five points and the battle going down to the wire.

McMcDonald said: “The win over Biggleswade was a solid one but we took our chances well.

“The lads were all disappointed after Merthyr but it’s hard to be critical of the team because they’ve done so well to get us into such a great position.

“We have six games left, there will be ups and down but it would be great if we won the league.

“Winning the league would be fantastic, but even making the play-offs would be huge for us.

“The team is very young and many of the lads have not played a full season before and they are giving me everything.”

Redditch United face a vital home clash against fourth-placed Leamington on Saturday (3pm ko), before tackling Dunstable at the Valley Stadium on Monday (7.45pm ko).

New signing Sam Merson, who joined the club from Biggleswade last week, has made an immediate impact as he scored in both matches last weekend.

They have also drafted in midfielder Charlie Morris from Boldmere St Michaels.

McDonald added: “Sam’s a good player and it was encouraging to see him make an immediate impact.”